The short version
- Lt. Brig. Carlos de Almeida Baptista Júnior recounts rejecting a draft decree to invalidate Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s victory, citing institutional duty over political loyalty.
- The former air force commander describes Jair Bolsonaro as lacking administrative experience and resistant to factual information, including scientific consensus on public health measures.
- While the navy commander and defense minister were convicted for their roles in the plot, Baptista Júnior and the army chief avoided prosecution by refusing participation.
A forthcoming memoir by former Brazilian Air Force commander Carlos de Almeida Baptista Júnior offers a detailed internal perspective on the events surrounding Jair Bolsonaro’s refusal to accept defeat in the 2022 presidential election. The book, titled I Said No! – An Anti-Coup Bulwark, describes a critical meeting held six weeks after the vote, during which the defense minister presented a draft decree intended to nullify Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s victory and extend Bolsonaro’s tenure. Baptista Júnior recounts declining to accept the document, stating clearly that the air force would not participate in such an action before leaving the room.
This refusal was pivotal in preventing the plot from advancing. Judicial investigations concluded that the coup attempt failed primarily because two of the three armed forces leaders—Baptista Júnior and Army General Marco Antônio Freire Gomes—rejected involvement. In contrast, Navy Admiral Almir Garnier Santos and Defense Minister Paulo Sérgio Nogueira de Oliveira were convicted for their participation and are currently serving sentences in military facilities. Bolsonaro remains under house arrest following his conviction for attempting a coup.
Baptista Júnior, who recently retired from active service, stated that his motivation for writing the book is to prevent historical repetition. He noted that despite substantial evidence presented during trials, public opinion polls indicate that approximately one-third of Brazilians still doubt an attempted coup occurred. The former commander emphasized that retaining power after losing an election constitutes a coup d’état, regardless of how it is framed politically.
The memoir provides insight into Bolsonaro’s leadership style and decision-making processes during his final days in office. Baptista Júnior characterizes the former president as having significant limitations in political and administrative experience, noting an almost total resistance to information that contradicted his pre-established beliefs. This included dismissing scientific evidence regarding COVID-19 vaccinations and rejecting official reports from the armed forces that found no irregularities in the electronic voting system.
Although Baptista Júnior voted for Bolsonaro in both 2018 and 2022, he describes the former president as becoming entirely consumed by efforts to remain in power after the election. The book details more than a dozen meetings where military leaders were summoned to discuss strategies for overturning the results. In one instance, the army chief reportedly warned Bolsonaro that attempting an institutional rupture would result in his arrest.
The publication timing has drawn attention as it precedes the first round of Brazil’s upcoming presidential election by two weeks. Lula is set to face Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, the former president’s son, in the race. Some supporters of Bolsonaro have accused Baptista Júnior of attempting to influence voter behavior through the book’s release. However, the author has clarified that he intends to vote for neither candidate and offers criticism of both in his account.
Baptista Júnior also addresses the broader context of the coup investigation, including revelations about plans by army special forces to kidnap or assassinate Lula, the newly elected vice president, and a supreme court justice. He notes that he was not present at meetings where these specific plans were discussed and learned of them only through press reports. His focus remains on the institutional breaches and the personal cost of maintaining democratic norms.
The former commander reflects on the personal toll of his stance, noting that it cost him many friendships within political and military circles. He aims to provide a clear record of events to counter misinformation and ensure that future generations understand the mechanisms used to challenge democratic transitions. The book serves as both a historical document and a cautionary tale about the fragility of institutional integrity.
As Brazil prepares for another electoral cycle, the memoir underscores the importance of military neutrality and adherence to constitutional processes. Baptista Júnior’s account highlights how individual decisions by key leaders can determine the outcome of political crises. His decision to speak out now, despite potential backlash, reflects a commitment to transparency and accountability in public service.
The narrative avoids sensationalism, focusing instead on procedural details and personal reflections. It does not delve deeply into the most violent aspects of the plot but emphasizes the bureaucratic and legal maneuvers attempted by Bolsonaro’s inner circle. By documenting these events, Baptista Júnior seeks to reinforce the principle that democratic transitions must be respected, even when contested by powerful figures.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- The Guardian World↗‘It cost me many friendships’: former Brazil military chief reveals inside struggle to stop Bolsonaro’s coup
