Brazil defense minister defends democracy, pledges to adhere to constitution

FILE PHOTO: Brazil's Chief of Staff Minister Walter Souza Braga Netto looks on during a ceremony at the Planalto Palace, amid coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Brasilia, Brazil, April 7, 2020. REUTERS/Adriano Machado

BRASILIA (Reuters) - Brazil's defense minister defended the democratic system on Tuesday, decrying "attempts at institutional destabilization" amid concerns over President Jair Bolsonaro's commitment to constitutional norms ahead of next year's election.

Defense Minister Walter Braga Netto, speaking alongside the president at the inauguration ceremony of new Army commander, General Paulo Sergio Nogueira de Oliveira, said the armed forces were committed to upholding the constitution and "prepared and ready to serve national interests."