If He Wins Election, Flávio Bolsonaro Wants to Implement Marco Rubio Model in Brazil's Foreign Policy - Folha de S.Paulo

Senator Flávio Bolsonaro (PL-RJ), son of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and a candidate to govern the country, plans to implement the model of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio at Brazil’s Foreign Ministry if he wins the election. The idea has been presented by Marcos Degaut, former congressman Eduardo Bolsonaro’s right-hand man on foreign policy, in closed-door meetings with diplomats and policymakers, according to five people interviewed by Folha. He called the proposal the "Marco Rubio overhaul."

The plan calls for restructuring diplomatic careers, with diplomats focused on specific regions and issues and subject to targets for exports, investment and trade integration. The promotion system would also be reformed, with seniority no longer serving as an absolute criterion. Foreign policy would focus on 35 countries considered priorities, the so-called G35, with superposts receiving more funding and staff.

Degaut said he opposed automatic alignment with the U.S. and defended maintaining ties with China while expanding agreements with Washington.