Getúlio Vargas: 72 years since the Brazilian president's suicide

Brazil marks the 72nd anniversary of the death of President Getúlio Vargas, who committed suicide on August 24, 1954, at the Palácio do Catete. His death occurred during a severe political crisis characterized by intense opposition and pressure from the military to resign.

Vargas left behind a famous testament letter, in which he accused national and international economic and political groups of conspiring against his government and his project of national sovereignty. In the document, he stated, “Serenamente dou o meu primeiro passo no caminho da eternidade e saio da vida para entrar para a história.”

His presidency was defined by significant industrialization efforts and the establishment of labor rights, including the Consolidação das Leis do Trabalho (CLT). He also oversaw the creation of state companies such as Petrobras and Eletrobras. Historians note that his suicide caused widespread national commotion and is credited with delaying the 1964 military coup by a decade.