Quick to Reject Maduro, Brazil Now Treads Softly on Venezuela
- Diplomatic recognition of Guaido already seen as big push
- Brazil benefits from cheap electricity from Venezuela
Jair Bolsonaro
Photographer: Sergio Lima/AFP via Getty Images
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Brazil was among the first countries to recognize U.S.-backed National Assembly President Juan Guaido as Venezuela’s rightful leader but it’s unlikely to add much more pressure to help oust Nicolas Maduro.
President Jair Bolsonaro is no fan of Maduro, yet he’s been constrained by economic interests, a long-held Brazilian tradition of non-intervention in other countries, and a dash of political savvy. That means his government is unlikely to offer anything much beyond humanitarian aid or words of support for Guaido.