General Santos Cruz rejects coup attempt by Eduardo and Jair Bolsonaro and says that "governments are temporary"

247 - General Carlos Alberto Santos Cruz, who was a minister under Jair Bolsonaro and was eventually dismissed after pressure from the "hate cabinet," led by Carlos Bolsonaro and composed of the "guru" Olavo de Carvalho, published an important article this Friday, in which he makes it clear that the Armed Forces will not participate in the coup called for by Jair Bolsonaro, who yesterday said he will no longer comply with court orders. "It's over, damn it!", and by Eduardo Bolsonaro. Check it out:

The Military and Politics

The Armed Forces, being state institutions, should not be involved in the dynamics of routine political affairs.

All military personnel are voters, from soldier/sailor to army general/brigadier/admiral. And they all vote with complete freedom of choice for their preferred candidates and parties. It is the exercise of citizenship, in absolute freedom. It is one of the high points of democracy. It is when each citizen, in their vote and by their vote, is worth the same, regardless of any consideration of social class, creed, ethnicity, etc. But democracy is more than that. It is also the harmonious functioning of institutions. It is also freedom of the press and of association. It is also a collective process of building, from the diversity of our society, a more just, prosperous and tolerant country.

In military culture, there is no propaganda or political discussion about candidate or party preferences within the barracks. When a citizen puts on the uniform and represents the institution, they have an institutional and constitutional commitment. Their commitment is to the Nation.

The Armed Forces are permanent institutions of the Brazilian State and do not participate in, nor are they confused with, governments, which are temporary, with power projects, with partisan disputes, with discussions and disputes between branches of government or authorities, who naturally seek to define their spaces and limits. In the political game, actors are often driven by short-term interests, influenced by emotions, and limited by their convictions. This is normal in a democratic environment.

A retired military officer, regardless of their position, does not represent the military institution. The performance of any function while retired is a personal responsibility. Military institutions are represented by their commanders, who are individuals with long military careers and have undergone numerous evaluations throughout their professional lives, undoubtedly chosen from among the best in their respective fields. The selection process occurs at all levels, from the selection of soldiers for the Corporal Training Course to promotion to Army General. The hierarchical structure and disciplinary conduct are based on example, respect, freedom of expression, and the unity of all. Unity is what truly makes strength. Even with a reduced budget, one only needs to enter any facility to see the education, dedication, and care with which public assets are maintained and managed.

The Armed Forces have been present throughout Brazil's history, defending the nation, pacifying the country, contributing to education, science, construction, development, and even politics in the past, with all the inherent risks, responsibilities, and strain. It was no coincidence that it was precisely during the military regime that the Armed Forces rightly decided to withdraw from politics and focus on the professionalism of their constitutional duties. The Armed Forces are also responsible for contributing to Brazil, despite all its problems, becoming one of the ten largest countries in the world. The country has evolved, and the Armed Forces remain present in the defense of the nation, in various situations where they are called upon to assist the population in emergencies and in support of certain government policies. Their tasks are established in the Constitution – to defend the nation and guarantee constitutional powers, law, and order. The prestige and admiration that society dedicates to them were built through sacrifice, work, and professionalism.

During this period, Brazilian democracy evolved and consolidated. We have a legitimately elected government and Congress, and the institutions are functioning. The branches of government are not perfect, as is normal. They never will be, since they are made of men, not angels. Democracy is built with strong institutions, constantly seeking their improvement. In Brazil, there is legislation that allows for the improvement of political institutions and practices. Disagreements and conflicts are not preventing the functioning of institutions. The pursuit of harmony is mandatory for all three branches of government. It is a constitutional obligation. Differences, power struggles, and tensions are normal in a democracy, and disputes must occur within a framework of freedom, respect, and within the law. For this very reason, the Federal Constitution supersedes the three branches of government to limit their use and regulate their exercise. It is in this process that the three branches moderate their actions, find their limits, and define the conditions for the use of other instruments of the State, including the Armed Forces, in the implementation of public policies.

The Armed Forces, being state institutions, should not be involved in the dynamics of routine political affairs. The dynamics of government are incompatible with the characteristics of military life. The military are united, the commanders are prepared, enlightened, and maintain their focus on their constitutional mission.  

Armed Forces are institutions that do not participate in partisan disputes, routine government affairs, or "retail" matters.

Over the past few decades, the Armed Forces have weathered periods of hyperinflation, presidential impeachments, corruption scandals, and changes in government with diverse characteristics, always maintaining a professional stance, assisting the population, mindful of their constitutional mandate, and contributing to the country's international prestige. It is a history that is a source of pride for the Brazilian people and the institutions themselves. For this very reason, I believe they will not allow themselves to be swallowed up or drawn into political disputes or personal, group, or partisan objectives.

Political gestures do not dent this monolithic bloc, which is formed by enlightened and idealistic people, committed to the State and the Nation, who are part of one of the institutions most admired by the Brazilian people.

Former Chief Minister of the Government Secretariat of the Presidency