A recent poll indicates 61% of Brazilians believe the military acted improperly under the former president, while 25% disagree and 14% are unsure.
The survey points to an event on January 8. It questions the role of army officials at the presidential palace.
Some attackers of government sites camped near army headquarters. No one disturbed them for weeks.
A Saudi Arabian gift also raises questions. Lieutenant Colonel Mauro Cid is central to this issue.
Cid faced arrest for faking COVID-19 vaccine data. He was also under probe for his role in a jewel case.
Of those informed about the jewels, 65% think the military is involved. Among richer folks, this belief stands at 69%. In the Northeast region, the figure goes up to 70%.
Political lines also show in the survey. Of Workers’ Party (PT) supporters, 84% see military involvement. Among the former president’s fans, only 52% agree.
The poll gathered data from 2,016 people across 139 cities. It has a two-point margin of error.
Additionally, 68% feel the former leader knew about the jewel sale. Among these, 52% see it as a crime.
Background on Military Role
The military has a complex history in Brazil. It ruled the country from 1964 to 1985. That period saw human rights abuses and censorship.
Democracy returned in the late ’80s. But the military still holds sway in some areas.
Public opinion has been changing. The past few years have seen more scrutiny of military roles.
The former president included several military men in his cabinet. This sparked debates on military involvement in politics.
In the past, similar debates also existed. For instance, the Workers’ Party had less military representation.
Now, it seems public sentiment is shifting. This recent poll may be a sign of changing times.