Villas Bôas: 'Political proselytizing is prohibited' in the Armed Forces
The Army commander, Eduardo Villas Bôas, said that "political proselytizing is absolutely forbidden" within the ranks of the Armed Forces and that they are "extremely disciplined" and cohesive; however, the military pressured the Supreme Federal Court (STF) to prevent former president Lula from participating in the electoral race.
247 - The Army commander, Eduardo Villas Bôas, said that "political proselytizing is absolutely prohibited" within the ranks of the Armed Forces and that they are "extremely disciplined" and cohesive. However, the military pressured the Supreme Federal Court (STF) to prevent former president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva from participating in the electoral race.
Villas Bôas' statement came after he was questioned by Folha de S.Paulo newspaper The beginning of Jair Bolsonaro's government, with the presence of military personnel in top positions, raises concerns regarding discipline and hierarchy within the troops.
"Your question is pertinent because we are living through an unprecedented situation, with significant military involvement. But this does not mean the return of the military to power, nor the return of the Army to power. Our activity within the barracks is essentially military and professional in nature. It is absolutely forbidden to proselytize, any kind of political proselytizing, for A or B. And there is a great deal of professional maturity. Sometimes people don't understand that we live in completely different times. So I can affirm, guarantee, that now under the command of General Pujol, this will remain the same. These are apolitical state institutions and must serve the nation."
Villas Bôas will be replaced on the 11th by General Edson Leal Pujol, following the normal rotation of commanders of the three Armed Forces that occurs at the beginning of each presidential term.