Flávio Bolsonaro allies plan diplomatic purge in Brazil

Advisors for members of the Liberal Party (PL) have reportedly drafted a list of strategic diplomatic posts targeted for an ideological purge. This mapping aims to remove diplomats who might resist the agenda of a potential Flávio Bolsonaro administration.

The strategy follows observations made during Jair Bolsonaro’s presidency, where allies concluded that resistance from civil servants and diplomats within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Itamaraty) hindered the dismantling of institutions. During the tenure of former Foreign Minister Ernesto Araújo, some diplomats reportedly mitigated the impact of government policies by delaying reports or failing to comply with directives that could damage international relations.

The proposed approach seeks to replace traditional diplomatic structures with loyalists, drawing inspiration from the actions of Marco Rubio in the United States Department of State. This model involves neutralizing ambassadors and filling key positions with political allies, including those without diplomatic expertise. Observers note that certain factions within the Brazilian foreign service, including ultraconservative and ultraliberal groups, may already be prepared to support this shift. The planned mapping includes high-profile missions, such as Brazil’s representation at the United Nations.