POPULISM AND RELIGION IN CONTEMPORARY BRAZIL: AN ANALYSIS OF JAIR BOLSONARO'S RELIGIOUS AND POPULIST DISCOURSE

Abstract

This study investigates the phenomenon of right-wing religious populism in the political-religious context that surrounded Bolsonaro's government and its relationship with evangelicals in Brazil. The aim is to understand the dynamics between the populist discourse adopted by Jair Bolsonaro during his presidency and the remarkable support he received from evangelical segments, especially Pentecostals and Neo-Pentecostals, which have played an influential role in Brazilian politics in recent decades. The research is based on a comprehensive analysis of primary and secondary sources, including speeches, academic articles, election poll reports and government documents. The methodological approach adopted is qualitative, aiming to understand the discursive and symbolic construction of right-wing religious populism and its impact on political relations between the Bolsonaro government and evangelicals. Our conclusion is that the Christian religious element of reactionary and conservative orientation was a crucial component in Bolsonaro's populist style during his mandate, considering the political-electoral weight of this segment in the national political scenario.