Bolsonaro Senator Declares Himself Brazil's True President After Departure

Flavio Bolsonaro, the Brazilian senator who lost Sunday's presidential election, spoke publicly for the first time on Wednesday. He made the address from the United States after leaving Brazil following his defeat.

In his statement, Bolsonaro declared himself the true elected president of Brazil. He directed the message to the Brazilian people and the international community. The senator also thanked President Trump and the American people for their welcome.

Bolsonaro alleged that electoral fraud unfolded on Sunday night. He stated that he watched the manipulation of results with horror. He described the subsequent actions against him as a politically motivated witch hunt intended to hold him hostage.

The senator explained that he did not intend to leave his homeland but knew exactly where the situation was headed. He cited the politicization of Brazil's justice system as the reason for bringing his family to the United States. He distinguished his move from fleeing, stating he left a state of exception to become the leader his people deserve.

Bolsonaro urged the international community not to normalize the political situation in Brazil. He affirmed his intention to lead the opposition from the United States while continuing to denounce the domestic justice system.