Michelle Bolsonaro

Michelle de Paula Firmo Reinaldo Bolsonaro (née Firmo Reinaldo; born 22 March 1982) is a former First Lady of Brazil from 2019 to 2023, being the third wife of the 38th President of Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro.

Early life

Born and raised in Ceilândia, Michelle de Paula is the 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. 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.

Bolsonaro has a high school diploma attained through adult education. 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 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.