Bolsonaro supporters denounce Jan. 8 attacks, spare former president - Valor International

A survey conducted by Genial/Quaest regarding the January 8 attacks reveals that a significant majority of Jair Bolsonaro’s supporters condemn last year’s attacks, yet do not hold the former president or his voters accountable for the turmoil in Brasilia.

Among those surveyed who confirmed voting for Bolsonaro in 2022, 85% disapproved of the attacks (with 11% expressing approval), and 81% absolved the former Army captain of any responsibility. In contrast, 94% of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s supporters—Brazil’s current president—disapproved of the attacks, and 76% believed that his rival had some influence on them.

Mr. Bolsonaro left Brazil on December 30 to avoid the ceremonial transfer of power and was in the United States when the attacks by his supporters occurred. Besides challenging the polls and election results, he urged his supporters to gather in front of Army barracks and frequently spread substantial coup material online. The former president is currently under investigation by Brazil’s Supreme Court regarding his possible involvement in the events.

In the current poll, 89% of respondents disapproved of the attacks. In comparison, 6% supported the coup attempt, an increase of two percentage points from the February 2023 poll conducted by Genial/Quaest.

This poll highlights the polarization in Brazilian politics, with opinions divided on Mr. Bolsonaro’s influence on the attacks: 47% believe he bears some responsibility, while 43% do not. A majority (51%) views the individuals involved in the government buildings’ invasion as radicals who do not represent Mr. Bolsonaro’s voter base.

The region with the highest percentage of respondents in favor of the attacks is the South, at 9%. Jair Bolsonaro has a significant voter base in this region and achieved decisive victories in all three of its states.

The poll, conducted between December 14 and 18, surveyed 2,012 people in person, aged 16 and older, across all states of the country, as per the institute’s report. The margin of error is 2.2 percentage points.