BRASILIA, Jan. 1 (Xinhua) -- Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro's inauguration speeches on Tuesday attempted to get the Congress on board his national reconstruction program, according to political observers.
Political scientist David Fleischer of the University of Brasilia said Bolsonaro's speech to the Congress and later to the general public offered no surprises, but highlighted the key themes of his election campaign.
"Bolsonaro went over the points he made during the campaign and after he won, in November and December, such topics as God, family, fighting corruption, public security, the matter of ideology," said Fleischer.
"He also said the flag 'will never be red,' which was an indirect allusion to the PT (the former ruling Workers' Party)," he said.
Bolsonaro, whose ruling Social Liberal Party (PSL) does not have a majority in Congress, also strove to woo lawmakers so as to garner their support to pass key legislations, such as a pending pension reform bill.
He said he is going to work together with the Congress and there are many measures the Congress has to approve, noted Fleischer.
"He explained that his cabinet has no political leaning... it is more technocratic, even though it includes several politicians. He really reached out a hand to the Congress so they can work together," Fleischer said.
For Fleischer, the only surprise was First Lady Michelle Bolsonaro's speech, which was delivered in sign language, reflecting a cause that has been a priority for the former congressional secretary-turned-activist for the rights of the hearing impaired.
The speech in sign language indicates she plans to take on a high-profile role as First Lady, he said.
Political scientist Leonardo Barreto of the consulting firm Factual agreed that the normally strident and outspoken Bolsonaro aimed to strengthen his support in the Congress and strike a conciliatory note.
"The president faces the challenge of finding a tone that does not discourage his base but also doesn't create constant conflict," said Barreto.
However, the speech did raise hackles, particularly among the political opposition.
Senator Humberto Costa of the now opposition PT, questioned Bolsonaro's references to his religious beliefs and conservative ideals.
"Bolsonaro promises in his inauguration speech to value our 'Judeo-Christian tradition' and 'combat the ideology of gender.' This is the end of the secular state and the beginning of discrimination," said Costa.
