A Powerful, Right-Wing Party Emerges in Brazil Without Bolsonaro

Brazil Union becomes biggest political party in congress
It will control the largest share of electoral funds in 2022

Senate head Rodrigo Pacheco (right), one of the high-ranking members of the new Brazil Union party, stands beside President Jair BolsonaroPhotographer: Andressa Anholete/Bloomberg

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By Simone Iglesias and Daniel Carvalho

October 6, 2021 at 5:06 PM UTC

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A new right-wing party has emerged in Brazil as the country’s conservative forces seek to gobble up the largest portion of public funds available for next year’s elections while breaking free from the influence of President Jair Bolsonaro.

Brazil Union, as the alliance officially launched on Wednesday is called, has among its ranks five state governors, two cabinet members and more than 80 lawmakers, including senate head Rodrigo Pacheco. As the largest party in congress, it will control about one-sixth of an electoral fund of 5.7 billion reais ($1 billion) set aside for next year.