Fractions of the business community that campaigned for Bolsonaro (2018)

Abstract

Jair Bolsonaro's victory in the 2018 elections is the result of numerous factors, including the action of fractions of the Brazilian business community. This article analyzes entrepreneurs that contributed to the election of the candidate of the Social Liberal Party, as well as their contributions to candidates for the House of Representatives. In the beginning of the 20th century, the practice of entrepreneurs supporting their representatives in the political world with the purpose of obtaining economic benefits became common. Bolsonaro received support from the business community, and his government has rewarded them with favorable public policies, as well as the appointment of some of them to important positions. These contributions, responsible for the candidate's growth in the campaign, took place through donations, coercion, fake news and indirect support. The survey was carried out in the press and on the websites of the Superior Electoral Court and the Federal Prosecutor Office for Labor Relations.