After Years of Bashing Bolsonaro, Now They See the Mistake
By Hotspotnews
In the ever-tumultuous landscape of Brazilian politics, a glaring double standard has once again exposed the deep-seated biases within the nation’s institutions. For years, former President Jair Bolsonaro has been relentlessly targeted by the Superior Electoral Court (TSE) and other judicial bodies, painted as the ultimate villain in a narrative crafted by left-leaning elites and media outlets. Yet, as recent events unfold, even the most ardent critics are beginning to whisper that perhaps the witch hunt has gone too far—and that the real threat to democracy lies elsewhere.
Let’s rewind to the relentless campaign against Bolsonaro. In 2023, the TSE declared him ineligible for office, citing alleged abuses during his tenure. This was followed by a staggering 27-year prison sentence in 2025 from the Supreme Federal Court (STF) for what was dubbed a “coup plot”—a charge that many conservatives view as a thinly veiled attempt to silence a leader who dared to challenge the entrenched power of the Workers’ Party (PT) and its allies. Bolsonaro’s supporters have long argued that these actions were not about justice but about political revenge, especially after his narrow defeat in the 2022 election amid widespread claims of irregularities. The media, both domestic and international, piled on, portraying him as a dangerous authoritarian while conveniently ignoring the corruption scandals that have plagued the left for decades.
Fast forward to February 12, 2026, when the TSE handed down a decision that reeks of hypocrisy. A prominent Carnival school in Rio de Janeiro openly honored current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva with a parade that was nothing short of a glowing tribute to his leadership and the PT. Despite clear ties to public funding and the school’s historical connections to controversial figures like gambling bosses—known locally as “bicheiros”—the court ruled that this spectacle was not propagandistic. Not electioneering, they said, just cultural expression. Imagine that: a massive, taxpayer-supported event lionizing a sitting president during a politically charged season, and it’s deemed harmless. Yet, when Bolsonaro so much as questioned electoral processes, he was crucified.
This ruling didn’t go unnoticed. Even GloboNews, a network not exactly known for its conservative leanings, aired a segment highlighting the blatant inconsistencies. They pointed out how the TSE, soon to be led by judges appointed by Bolsonaro himself, is quick to crack down on right-wing expressions but turns a blind eye to left-wing excesses. It’s a stark reminder of the “quadrilha”—the gang-like network of PT insiders, organized crime elements, and institutional players—that Bolsonaro’s base has decried since his ousting. For conservatives, this isn’t just about one Carnival parade; it’s emblematic of a system rigged to protect the status quo while demonizing outsiders who fight for fiscal responsibility, traditional values, and anti-corruption reforms.
The irony is palpable. After years of bashing Bolsonaro as a threat to Brazilian democracy, the very institutions that led the charge are now revealing their own flaws. Lula’s administration, marred by ongoing scandals and economic struggles, benefits from this leniency, while Bolsonaro languishes under draconian penalties. It’s as if the left’s playbook—accuse your opponents of what you’re guilty of—has finally backfired in plain sight.
Conservatives across Brazil and beyond are watching closely. This moment could be a turning point, a chance for the nation to reflect on the mistakes of the past few years. The relentless persecution of Bolsonaro hasn’t strengthened democracy; it’s eroded trust in the judiciary and deepened divisions. Perhaps now, as the double standards become impossible to ignore, more Brazilians will see the truth: Bolsonaro wasn’t the monster he was made out to be. He was a fighter against a corrupt establishment, and sidelining him has only empowered the real dangers lurking within. It’s time to correct course, before it’s too late for Brazil’s future.