“It can’t get any worse”

Everardo Oliveira, a former circus clown known as Tiririca ("Grumpy"), was elected a federal lawmaker for Sao Paulo with an astounding 1.3 million votes in 2010. In an election marked by irreverence and celebrity contenders, he was by far the most popular candidate. Romario and Bebeto, both World Cup '94 footballers, were also elected to government roles. Brazilians have apparently had enough of career politicians and professional lying.

Grumpy's marketing was endearingly populist, with hilarious viral YouTube ads. In one, he inquired, "What exactly does a federal deputy do?"." Grumpy had entered the circus as a destitute eight-year-old with little knowledge of national politics. Indeed, after his victory, publications said he couldn't read or write, forcing him to show his literacy in order to preserve his seat.

He was ultimately the one who rejected the establishment. Following his reelection in 2014, he refused to run again, claiming he had lost respect for politics. Only eight of the 513 legislators paid to sit in the lower house of congress did so on a regular basis, according to Grumpy. "I'm one of those eight, and I'm a circus clown," he continued regretfully.

Some information about Everardo Oliveira:

• Nickname: Tiririca
  
• A federal lawmaker for Sao Paulo