Born and raised in Ceilândia, Michelle de Paula is daughter of Maria das Graças Pereira de Paula Reinaldo and Vicente de Castro Reinaldo. Her father, born in Crateús, is a retired bus driver, whose nickname, "Paulo Negão", became nationally known in Jair Bolsonaro speeches to defend himself from accusations of racism.[4][5] She has a younger stepbrother, Diego de Paula Reinaldo, who was born in 1988 and is a member of the Brazilian Air Force. Michelle's father and stepmother Maísa are owners of an event confection and production small business.[6]
Bolsonaro has a high school diploma attained through adult education[citation needed]. She enrolled in university as a pharmacy student, but never took classes. She worked as a salesperson in a clothing store and as a supermarket cashier before working as parliamentary secretary.
Political activities
Early activities
Bolsonaro worked as an employee of the Chamber of Deputies between 2006 and 2008. She began at the parliamentary office of Deputy Vanderlei Assis (PP-SP), whose term was recommended to be annulled by the Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry for the "Escândalo dos sanguessugas" in August 2006[7][8] Later, he became secretary of Deputy Marco Aurélio Ubiali (PSB-SP). In June 2007, Michelle was nominated for the same position in the leadership of the Progressive Party (PP), remaining until September.[9]
Michelle and Jair Bolsonaro in Brasília, 26 September 2019
During this period, she had her first contact with her future husband, then federal deputy for the progressives. On 18 September 2007, Michelle became Parliamentary Secretary of Bolsonaro. Just nine days later, they signed a prenuptial agreement at the 1st Public Registry of Brasilia. After about six months of relationship, they registered their civil union on 28 November 2007. In 2008, she was dismissed from the position of Parliamentary Secretary after the Supreme Federal Court understood that the 1988 Constitution prohibited nepotism in public administration.[10][11]
During most Jair Bolsonaro's electoral campaign, Bolsonaro did not heavily involve herself actively in his campaign rallies, keeping herself discreet and reserved to the media coverage, but following her husband's path in the backstage.[citation needed]
Bolsonaro's first public appearance in an electoral ad happened on 25 October 2018, three days before the second round of the 2018 Brazilian general election. In the ad, she praised her husband as a "wonderful human being" and "playful". After Jair Bolsonaro was stabbed on 6 September 2018, Bolsonaro followed her husband during his surgical recovery.[citation needed]
After the disclosure of the results of the second round of the presidential election, on the night of 28 October 2018, Jair Bolsonaro finished his victory speech by thanking Michelle Bolsonaro for her support.[12] That same night, the first interview of Michelle Bolsonaro for RecordTV was broadcast. In it, she said that she wanted to "make a difference" in favour of the country and that she "will keep doing her job helping disabled people". She also demonstrated her will to "do missions in the Northeast sertão".[13][14]
Role as First Lady
Michelle with children in Brasília, 18 December 2019
Bolsonaro has highlighted social causes related to people with disabilities, with visibility for rare diseases, digital inclusion, awareness of autism, inclusion of sign language in schools, and other social projects.
Bolsonaro became the first Brazilian first lady to speak at the Palácio do Planalto parliamentary office during a presidential inauguration in sign language. She is a member of the Ministry of the Deaf of the Baptist Church, where she acted as an interpreter of Brazilian Sign Language in services.
In the 2019 traditional statement by the president of the Republic, Bolsonaro became the first lady to speak alongside the president on national radio and television broadcast.
On 30 July 2020, Michelle Bolsonaro tested positive for COVID-19, days after her husband said he had recovered from the disease.[15]
After Bolsonaro lost the 2022 presidential election, Bolsonaro was appointed the head of PL Mulher, the women's branch of her husband's political party.[17]
In February 2023, it was reported that Liberal Party figures, including party leader Valdemar Costa Neto, indicated support for nominating Michelle in the 2026 general election should Jair Bolsonaro decline to run.[18] Michelle stated that she would not run amid speculation of a possible candidacy.[19]
Personal life
The Bolsonaro family lives in a gated community house in Barra da Tijuca.
Bolsonaro was an active member and attendant of the Assembly of God Victory in Christ (Advec) until 2016 as a result of a temporary misunderstanding between Malafaia and Jair Bolsonaro in the electoral campaign. Despite being a Catholic, Bolsonaro attended the same church with his wife. Afterward, she began attending and helping Attitude Baptist Church.
Children and marriage
Michelle, who prefers to be called by her composite name, Michelle de Paula,[20] has two daughters: Letícia Aguiar, from a previous relationship, and Laura, from her marriage with Jair Bolsonaro.[21]
Michelle Bolsonaro married Jair Bolsonaro on November 28, 2007. In 2010, she gave birth to the couple's daughter, Laura.[22]
Controversies
Questions have been raised about checks deposited into Michelle's bank account by Fabricio Queiroz who has been arrested for allegedly defrauding the government.[23][24] Queiroz was an aide to Flavio Bolsonaro, Jair Bolsonaro's eldest son, when he was a Rio de Janeiro state legislator. Flavio denied any wrong doing.[23] When Jair Bolsonaro was questioned about the checks, he responded that he wanted to punch the asking reporter in the face.[24]
Bolsonaro has been removed from concern over the Saudi jewelry scandal involving Jair Bolsonaro.[25]
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