In “The Art of War,” Sun Tzu advised appearing strong when weak. That helps explain the offensive launched by Brazil’s so-called “Big Center” — a bloc of ideologically fluid, mildly conservative parties that dominate Congress. As Jair Bolsonaro’s trial opened, the Big Center moved on several fronts:
The Progressive Union, the largest bloc in both chambers of Congress, formally announced its departure from the presidential coalition, giving its members 30 days to vacate cabinet posts.
Anonymous sources fed the press with suggestions that a bill granting amnesty to Jair Bolsonaro and others accused of plotting a coup is gaining momentum and may already command a majority in the House.
Party leaders presented a motion to fast-track a bill allowing Congress to dismiss the Central Bank chair if deemed to be acting “against national interests.”
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