The Worst Presidents in Brazilian History: A Closer Look

What makes a president the worst in a country's history? Depending on the criteria, there are several presidents who come to mind. This article will explore the individuals who are deemed the most ineffective, incompetent, authoritarian, and corrupt in Brazilian history. We will also examine some honorable mentions that, while not the absolute worst, still left a lasting impact on the political landscape of Brazil.

The Most Ineffective President: Janio Quadros

Janio Quadros, elected to the presidency in 1961, held office for an unusually short period of six months. He took office with a strong anti-corruption platform, but unfortunately, he did not follow through. Instead, Quadros was more concerned with orchestrating a plot to stage his own resignation, much to his own surprise when the parliament accepted it. This action left a politically unstable situation that eventually led to the 1964 coup d'état, a pivotal moment in Brazil's political history.

The Most Incompetent President: Dilma Rousseff

Dilma Rousseff's tenure as president is often cited for its series of policy failures. Taking over the government from Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in a relatively stable economic state, Rousseff deliberately undermined the checks and balances that ensured economic stability. Her administration took several drastic actions that broke down the pillars of economic stability:

Controlling the currency value Abandoning budget surpluses Abandoning inflation targeting

Rousseff’s actions were driven by ideological beliefs that prioritized high inflation over maintaining economic stability. Additionally, her misleading claims about having a Ph.D. in economics furthered her reputation as an incompetent leader.

The Most Authoritarian President: General Costa e Silva

Under the rule of General Costa e Silva, Brazil experienced a significant downturn in terms of civil liberties and political freedom. Costa e Silva's government issued the notorious Ato Institucional No. 5 (AI-5), which suspended constitutional rights, allowed the imprisonment of political adversaries, and marked the beginning of the 'Anos de Chumbo' (Years of Lead). These years are often remembered as a dark period of Brazilian history marked by authoritarianism and repression.

The Most Corrupt President: Michel Temer

Michel Temer, who is currently in office, is widely regarded as one of the most corrupt and controversial figures in recent Brazilian history. As a politician who never enjoyed high popularity, Temer managed to climb the political ladder through cunning and stealth. The Brazilian electoral system oftenmisleads voters into believing they are choosing an individual when, in fact, they are voting for a political coalition. Temer's election and subsequent rise to power were part of this complex system.

Temer's corruption went beyond mere personal gain, as he found ways to justify his bribes to parliamentarians and even passed laws that favored large landowners (latinfundiários) and other corrupt politicians. His actions have made him a symbol of the rampant corruption that pervades Brazilian politics today.

DisHonorable Mentions: Fernando Collor, José Sarney, and Deodoro da Fonseca

While these individuals did not reach the lows of their colleagues, their tenures in office still left a lasting impact on the political and social fabric of Brazil:

Fernando Collor: His presidency was marked by economic turmoil and his eventual resignation due to a corruption scandal. José Sarney: One of the longest-serving presidents, his leadership was characterized by economic problems and political instability. Deodoro da Fonseca: The first president of Brazil following the country's independence, his presidency was marked by the establishment of the Brazilian constitution.

Each of these individuals has left a unique and often contentious legacy in Brazilian history, and their actions continue to impact the country today. By closely examining their leadership styles, policies, and legacies, we can better understand the complex political landscape of Brazil and its ongoing challenges.