In his first public remarks since losing the election on Sunday, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro said protests by his supporters were the result of “indignation and a sense of unfairness” with the results.He refrained from appealing the election results, instead directing his chief of staff Ciro Nogueira to meet with representatives of the left-leaning President-elect Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to start the transition.
Right-wing nationalist Bolsonaro delayed making a statement for more than 44 hours after the results of the election were announced, increasing concerns that he would try to contest the close outcome.In the midst of his silence, fans blocked roads to show their disapproval of his defeat, with some even advocating a military takeover to prevent former president Lula from retaking office.
According to business associations, the highway blockades have hampered the flow of grain exports to significant ports, supermarket supply, and the distribution of fuel.In his brief speech to the nation, Bolsonaro joked that the media would miss him, thanked his supporters, and vowed to uphold the constitution, which calls for a change of leadership on January 1.
