Jair Bolsonaro is returning to Brazil today after spending three months in the United States, determined to play an important role in the country’s political life, although the judiciary is investigating several of his cases.

The far-right former president risks being prosecuted and, if found guilty, imprisoned or even banned from politics if he returns to Brazil.

Bolsonaro, President of Brazil from 2019 to 2022, is expected to arrive in Brazil this morning from Orlando, Florida, where he has taken refuge, the Liberal Party (PL) announced.

He left Brazil on December 30, shortly before the end of his term, boycotting the swearing-in ceremony of his successor, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

“I don’t want to lead the opposition, I will participate in the political life of my party, offering my experience to it,” he said yesterday, Wednesday evening, in an interview with CNN Brazil from the Orlando airport before boarding the plane.

Bolsonaro, 68, breaking his silence after losing the presidential election, said last week that he intends to “rule the country” and “do politics” to defend Brazil’s ultra-conservative values.

His return has caused concern in Brasilia, where the military police will ensure that no gatherings take place. “He will be ready to immediately close access to the Plaza of the Three Powers, as well as to the airport,” Brazilian Public Order Minister Sandro Alevar said.

Bolsonaro’s supporters called on social media to rally at the airport, although the ex-president has no plans to speak from there.

Immediately after arriving in the Brazilian capital, Bolsonaro will go to the PL offices, accompanied by military police, like all former presidents. There he will be met by the head of the party, Valdemar Costa Neto, as well as his deputies, senators and former ministers.

He is then set to move into his new home with his 41-year-old wife Michelle. Bolsonaro’s wife has just taken over as president of the PL’s women’s division and will potentially run for president in 2026.

Legal problems

Bolsonaro is returning to his country as a dispute continues over the multi-million euro luxury jewelry he received from Saudi Arabia as a gift to his wife. Authorities are investigating whether he broke the law by bringing them into the country without a declaration.

At the same time, he is under investigation in five cases before the Supreme Court of Brazil, and he has lost his immunity.

The most recent case concerns his role in the January 8 riots and the invasion of government buildings in Brasilia, which were looted by his supporters.

The remaining four cases concern offenses allegedly committed during his tenure as president, such as spreading disinformation about the electronic voting system and combating the coronavirus pandemic.

In addition, the Higher Electoral Court is investigating at least 16 cases in which Bolsonaro is allegedly involved.

He could be banned from political activity for up to eight years, preventing him from running for president in 2026.

Source: APE-MPE, AFP.