BRASILIA (Reuters) – Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro left Brazil on Friday, 48 hours before the inauguration of Luis Inacio Lula da Silva.
Jair Bolsonaro did not say where he was going, but his flight tracking data seems to indicate that he is on his way to Florida, USA, where his security services are already located.
The Brazilian president has repeatedly declared that he does not wish to take part in the inauguration ceremony of his successor.
He could also face legal action when his presidential immunity is lifted after Lula takes office.
Vice-President Hamilton Mourao is temporarily taking over as president, his press service told Reuters, confirming Jair Bolsonaro’s departure.
CNN Brazil quoted the Brazilian president as saying, “I’m on a flight, back soon.” Its press office did not respond to a request for comment.
(Report Ricardo Brito and Gabriel Araujo, with the contribution of Ueslei Marcelino; French version Camille Raynaud)
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