The presidential race in Brazil has been becoming more unpredictable by the day. In the latest, as per a poll, leftist front-runner Lula de Silva far right incumbent President Jair Bolsonaro have narrowed gap.

Brazil Polls: Bolsonaro narrows gap with opponent Lula de Silva

Brazil is heading towards polls in what experts say is one of the most polarised elections in recent times. Now, candidates Jair Bolsonaro and Lula Da Silva held their first Presidential debate.

Brazil's first Presidential debate: Jair Bolsonaro vs Lula Da Silva

<p>Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro and leftist challenger Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva exchanged jabs and insults as they faced off in the first head-to-head debate. The debate took place with Brazil's presidential runoff elections two weeks away.</p>

<p>Lula attacked Bolsonaro calling him the "king of fake news" and a "tiny little dictator". In return, he drew accusations of lying, corruption and a "disgraceful record" from his opponent.</p>

<p>Lula is the charismatic but tarnished ex-president (2003-2010) who is eyeing a comeback at the age of 76. He was particularly fiery as he criticised Bolsonaro over handling of the Covid pandemic. 687,000 people died in Brazil due to Covid-19, second only to the US.</p>

<p>Attacking Bolsonaro over his resistance to buying vaccines and touting of unproven medications such as hydroxychloroquine, Lula said the president "carries the weight of those deaths on his shoulders."</p>

<p>"Your negligence led to 680,000 people dying, when more than half could have been saved," the ex-metalworker said in his trademark gravelly voice.</p>

<p>"No other leader in the world played around with the pandemic and with death the way you did."</p>

<p>Bolsonaro (67) tried to drag the debate's focus to the corruption issue. This was a weak spot for Lula who was jailed in 2018 on now overturned graft charges.</p>

<p>"Your past is disgraceful... You did nothing for Brazil but stuff public money in your pockets and those of your friends," Bolsonaro said.</p>

<p>"Lula, stop lying, it's bad for you at your age," said the ex-army captain at another point, simultaneously defending his own record and taking a shot at his rival's age.</p>

<p>Bolsonaro, the vitriolic hardline conservative who took office in 2019, finished second in the first-round election on October 2 with 43 percent of the vote, to 48 percent for Lula.</p>

<p>But many opinion polls had put Lula's lead in the double digits.</p>

<p>Bolsonaro's stronger-than-expected performance has given him an aura of momentum heading into the runoff, and increased speculation over the possibility of another surprise in two weeks' time.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro and leftist challenger Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva exchanged jabs and insults as they faced off in the first head-to-head debate. The debate took place with Brazil's presidential runoff elections two weeks away.

Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro and leftist challenger Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva exchanged jabs and insults as they faced off in the first head-to-head debate. The debate took place with Brazil's presidential runoff elections two weeks away. Lula attacked Bolsonaro calling him the "king of fake news" and a "tiny little dictator". In return, he drew accusations of lying, corruption and a "disgraceful record" from his opponent. Lula is the charismatic but tarnished ex-president (2003-2010) who is eyeing a comeback at the age of 76. He was particularly fiery as he criticised Bolsonaro over handling of the Covid pandemic. 687,000 people died in Brazil due to Covid-19, second only to the US. Attacking Bolsonaro over his resistance to buying vaccines and touting of unproven medications such as hydroxychloroquine, Lula said the president "carries the weight of those deaths on his shoulders." "Your negligence led to 680,000 people dying, when more than half could have been saved," the ex-metalworker said in his trademark gravelly voice. "No other leader in the world played around with the pandemic and with death the way you did." Bolsonaro (67) tried to drag the debate's focus to the corruption issue. This was a weak spot for Lula who was jailed in 2018 on now overturned graft charges. "Your past is disgraceful... You did nothing for Brazil but stuff public money in your pockets and those of your friends," Bolsonaro said. "Lula, stop lying, it's bad for you at your age," said the ex-army captain at another point, simultaneously defending his own record and taking a shot at his rival's age. Bolsonaro, the vitriolic hardline conservative who took office in 2019, finished second in the first-round election on October 2 with 43 percent of the vote, to 48 percent for Lula. But many opinion polls had put Lula's lead in the double digits. Bolsonaro's stronger-than-expected performance has given him an aura of momentum heading into the runoff, and increased speculation over the possibility of another surprise in two weeks' time. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

'King of fake news': Barbs and insults colour Bolsonaro, Lula's first debate face-off

Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro rides a jet-ski in Belem while campaigning in Northern Brazil in a reelection bid ahead of Brazil's October 30 presidential runoff.

Watch: President Bolsonaro rides jet-ski while campaigning in Northern Brazil

With just few weeks left for the Brazil presidential runoff, the face off between between Lula da Silva, a left-wing former president and right-wing incumbent Jair Bolsonaro turned uglier.

Brazil: Bolsonaro calls Lula 'drunk' ahead of runoff

<p>The presidential election in Brazil is turning out to be a cliffhanger with the odds-on-favourite, the leftist former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, faring far worse than expected against the right-wing incumbent Jair Bolsonaro in the first round of voting held on October 2.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Predictably, this has given rise to speculation as to whether Bolsonaro, in the event of losing the election in the run-off to be held on October 30, will lead an ‘uprising” in Brazil much like the attack on the US Capitol instigated by then president Donald Trump in January 2021.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There are many reasons cited for these apprehensions about how the elections in Brazil may end or get upended.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The main reason for the widespread suspicion that President Bolsonaro may cling on to power by any means is that he bagged 43.2 per cent of the votes to Lula’s 48.4 per cent in the first round. This was in sharp contrast to pollsters’ predictions which gave Lula an outright victory with a lead of 10 to 15 per cent. &nbsp;</p>

<p>With the opinion polls turning out to be wide off the mark, Bolsonaro has become more strident in claiming, much like Trump did in the US presidential election, that in a ‘clean’ election, his victory is assured. This suggests that in the event of losing to Lula on October 30, he would persist with accusations of the elections being a fraud and the election authorities having plotted against him. He may seek to re-enact, before the runoff and post-election, exactly what Trump did and spur an assault on Brazil’s constitutional offices.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bolsonaro may be emboldened in resorting to such tactics by the fact that his conservative coalition is set for a comfortable majority in both chambers of Brazil’s Congress although Lula leads in the presidential sweepstakes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As for Lula, in the past, he had won his two terms as president in the runoff and not in the first round of voting. Therefore, it should not be surprising if Lula gets the better of Bolsonaro in the runoff this time too.</p>

<p>As matters stand, Lula’s troubles may well begin after the run-off, regardless of whether he wins or loses. Should he win, apart from the threat of an extra-parliamentary challenge that may be mounted by Bolsonaro, Lula would have to contend with his rival’s superior numbers in the Congress. Besides, Lula’s success, in keeping with the wave of Left victories in recent months in Mexico, Colombia, Argentina and Chile, may encourage Bolsonaro, aided by powerful external forces, to revive past allegations against him to keep him out of office.</p>

<p><strong>(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)</strong></p>

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The presidential election in Brazil is turning out to be a cliffhanger with the odds-on-favourite, the leftist former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, faring far worse than expected against the right-wing incumbent Jair Bolsonaro in the first round of voting held on October 2.

The presidential election in Brazil is turning out to be a cliffhanger with the odds-on-favourite, the leftist former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, faring far worse than expected against the right-wing incumbent Jair Bolsonaro in the first round of voting held on October 2. Predictably, this has given rise to speculation as to whether Bolsonaro, in the event of losing the election in the run-off to be held on October 30, will lead an ‘uprising” in Brazil much like the attack on the US Capitol instigated by then president Donald Trump in January 2021. There are many reasons cited for these apprehensions about how the elections in Brazil may end or get upended. The main reason for the widespread suspicion that President Bolsonaro may cling on to power by any means is that he bagged 43.2 per cent of the votes to Lula’s 48.4 per cent in the first round. This was in sharp contrast to pollsters’ predictions which gave Lula an outright victory with a lead of 10 to 15 per cent. With the opinion polls turning out to be wide off the mark, Bolsonaro has become more strident in claiming, much like Trump did in the US presidential election, that in a ‘clean’ election, his victory is assured. This suggests that in the event of losing to Lula on October 30, he would persist with accusations of the elections being a fraud and the election authorities having plotted against him. He may seek to re-enact, before the runoff and post-election, exactly what Trump did and spur an assault on Brazil’s constitutional offices. Bolsonaro may be emboldened in resorting to such tactics by the fact that his conservative coalition is set for a comfortable majority in both chambers of Brazil’s Congress although Lula leads in the presidential sweepstakes. As for Lula, in the past, he had won his two terms as president in the runoff and not in the first round of voting. Therefore, it should not be surprising if Lula gets the better of Bolsonaro in the runoff this time too. As matters stand, Lula’s troubles may well begin after the run-off, regardless of whether he wins or loses. Should he win, apart from the threat of an extra-parliamentary challenge that may be mounted by Bolsonaro, Lula would have to contend with his rival’s superior numbers in the Congress. Besides, Lula’s success, in keeping with the wave of Left victories in recent months in Mexico, Colombia, Argentina and Chile, may encourage Bolsonaro, aided by powerful external forces, to revive past allegations against him to keep him out of office. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

WION Spotlight | Will Bolsonaro do a Trump in Brazil post-election? 

Voting began in Brazil on Sunday, kicking off a stiff contest between leftist frontrunner Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and incumbent Jair Bolsonaro. As per reports, Bolsonaro has alleged Brazil's voting machines are plagued by fraud.

Voting begins in Brazil's presidential race; Silva leads by 10-15% in opinion polls

Brazil will see a second round run-off between Jair Bolsonaro and Lula da Silva. Brazil's opinion polls got it horribly wrong when they predicted Lula had a giant lead over Bolsonaro in the presidential elections. Molly Gambhir tells you about the latest developments.

WION Fineprint | Brazil's Lula and Bolsonaro to face each other in election run-off

Lula da Silva, a left-wing former president, finished in first place Sunday in Brazil's presidential election, but failed to secure enough votes for an outright victory and will face right-wing incumbent Jair Bolsonaro in an October 30 run-off. WION in an exclusive conversation with Michael Fox, a senior journalist.

WION Dispatch | Brazil presidential elections: Jair Bolsonaro vs Lula da Silva: No clear winner?

Voting begins in Brazil's presidential race; Bolsonaro witnesses a dip in his popularity

Brazil is all set to vote in its elections on Sunday. The Presidential fight has come down to the two final candidates. In a latest update, Jair Bolsonaro led a motorcade to welcome his supporters.

Jair Bolsonaro leads motorcade to welcome his supporters

Brazil is going to the polls next month. Incumbent President Gerard Bolsonaro faces off against Former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in the upcoming election. Women from Brazil's indigenous community are lining up and taking the fight to Bolsonaro.

Brazil: Indigenous women standing to oppose Bolsonaro policies

On Wednesday, Brazil celebrated its 200th Independence Day. Brazil's present President Bolsonaro was accused of campaigning for upcoming presidential elections during the festivities.

Brazil celebrates 200th Independence Day, President Bolsonaro presides over military parades

<p>A website which was used for the glorification of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been hacked by an internet prankster.</p>

<p>Mocking Bolsonaro’s “clownish” and “neo-fascist” government, the prankster managed to commandeer the URL following the Brazilian leader's failure to pay for its renewal.</p>

<p>In a cartoon depicted on the website, the prankster has illustrated Bolsonaro as an evil man with a long, pointed nose and a snake sticking out of his mouth instead of tongue.</p>

<p>The cartoon which depicts Bolsonaro as a hate-filled liar quotes an excerpt from Psalm 140: “Rescue me, O Lord, from evil men … the poison of vipers is on their lips.”</p>

<p>Due to his internationally condemned response to&nbsp;Covid outbreak that has killed more than 680,000 Brazilians, Bolsonaro should be behind bars, the prankster said.</p>

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<p>Calling him weak, pathetic and a court jester, the populist clan has slammed Bolsonaro for decrying servility to his US ally Donald Trump.</p>

<p>From Satan to Adolf Hitler, the 67-year-old leader has been depicted in various scathing caricatures on the website.</p>

<p>A disclaimer at the bottom of the page says, “This website is not administered by nor does it belong to the Bolsonaro family.”</p>

<p>Current polls show that Luiz Inacio Lula de Silva will likely beat Bolsonaro in Brazil's election that will be held in October.</p>

<p>Labelling a prominent female journalist “an embarrassment to Brazilian journalism”, Bolsonaro lashed out when she asked him about the hacking of the website.</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>

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A website which was used for the glorification of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been hacked by an internet prankster. Mocking Bolsonaro’s “clownish” and “neo-fascist” government, the prankster managed to commandeer the URL following the Brazilian leader's failure to pay for its renewal.

A website which was used for the glorification of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been hacked by an internet prankster. Mocking Bolsonaro’s “clownish” and “neo-fascist” government, the prankster managed to commandeer the URL following the Brazilian leader's failure to pay for its renewal. In a cartoon depicted on the website, the prankster has illustrated Bolsonaro as an evil man with a long, pointed nose and a snake sticking out of his mouth instead of tongue. The cartoon which depicts Bolsonaro as a hate-filled liar quotes an excerpt from Psalm 140: “Rescue me, O Lord, from evil men … the poison of vipers is on their lips.” Due to his internationally condemned response to Covid outbreak that has killed more than 680,000 Brazilians, Bolsonaro should be behind bars, the prankster said. × Calling him weak, pathetic and a court jester, the populist clan has slammed Bolsonaro for decrying servility to his US ally Donald Trump. From Satan to Adolf Hitler, the 67-year-old leader has been depicted in various scathing caricatures on the website. A disclaimer at the bottom of the page says, “This website is not administered by nor does it belong to the Bolsonaro family.” Current polls show that Luiz Inacio Lula de Silva will likely beat Bolsonaro in Brazil's election that will be held in October. Labelling a prominent female journalist “an embarrassment to Brazilian journalism”, Bolsonaro lashed out when she asked him about the hacking of the website. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here ×

'Snake-tongued liar': Internet prankster hijacks website that glorified Brazilian President Bolsonaro

The race for the next Brazilian president is heating up. The presidential polls are more than a month away but the incumbent president Jair Bolsonaro has alleged fraud in past elections. Da Silva has promised crackdown on corruption if elected.

Brazil braces up for presidential elections; Bolsonaro alleges fraud in past elections

<p>Brazilian police on Tuesday carried out raids against a number of businesses that had supported President Jair Bolsonaro's re-election after a media article said they had discussed the merits of a coup d'état if the far-right candidate lost the election in October, as reported by Reuters.</p>

<p>Justice of the Supreme Court Alexandre de Moraes, who was appointed head of Brazil's top electoral court last week, directed federal police to execute eight search warrants in five states. The targets were not named by the police.</p>

<p>Under the condition of anonymity, two people with knowledge of the situation claimed the targets of the raids included Meyer Joseph Nigri, chairman of the homebuilder Tecnisa SA, and Jose Isaac Peres, chief executive officer of shopping mall operator Multiplan Empreendimentos Imobiliarios SA.&nbsp;</p>

<p>One of Bolsonaro's most notable supporters and billionaire Luciano Hang, the founder of the department store chain Havan, claimed he was a target of the operation. He attributed this to news reports that misrepresented his comments made in a group chat.</p>

<p>"An irresponsible article without context put me in this situation," Hang wrote on Twitter. "I never spoke of a coup ... I have always defended democracy and freedom of expression."</p>

<p>The businessmen belonged to a WhatsApp group that talked about potential electoral fraud and the advantages of a coup d'état if Bolsonaro lost the forthcoming election, according to an article published last week by the Brazilian news outlet Metropoles.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The incumbent has questioned the validity of Brazil's electronic voting system, raising concerns that he would contest the election results. He is currently trailing the leftist former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in polls.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The sources claim that further businessmen Afranio Barreira Filho, Ivan Wrobel, Jose Koury, Marco Aurelio Raymundo, and Luiz Andre Tissot were the targets of the police raids on Tuesday.</p>

<p><em>(with inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Brazilian police on Tuesday carried out raids against a number of businesses that had supported President Jair Bolsonaro's re-election after a media article said they had discussed the merits of a coup d'état if the far-right candidate lost the election in October, as reported by Reuters.

Brazilian police on Tuesday carried out raids against a number of businesses that had supported President Jair Bolsonaro's re-election after a media article said they had discussed the merits of a coup d'état if the far-right candidate lost the election in October, as reported by Reuters. Justice of the Supreme Court Alexandre de Moraes, who was appointed head of Brazil's top electoral court last week, directed federal police to execute eight search warrants in five states. The targets were not named by the police. Under the condition of anonymity, two people with knowledge of the situation claimed the targets of the raids included Meyer Joseph Nigri, chairman of the homebuilder Tecnisa SA, and Jose Isaac Peres, chief executive officer of shopping mall operator Multiplan Empreendimentos Imobiliarios SA. One of Bolsonaro's most notable supporters and billionaire Luciano Hang, the founder of the department store chain Havan, claimed he was a target of the operation. He attributed this to news reports that misrepresented his comments made in a group chat. "An irresponsible article without context put me in this situation," Hang wrote on Twitter. "I never spoke of a coup ... I have always defended democracy and freedom of expression." The businessmen belonged to a WhatsApp group that talked about potential electoral fraud and the advantages of a coup d'état if Bolsonaro lost the forthcoming election, according to an article published last week by the Brazilian news outlet Metropoles. The incumbent has questioned the validity of Brazil's electronic voting system, raising concerns that he would contest the election results. He is currently trailing the leftist former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in polls. The sources claim that further businessmen Afranio Barreira Filho, Ivan Wrobel, Jose Koury, Marco Aurelio Raymundo, and Luiz Andre Tissot were the targets of the police raids on Tuesday. (with inputs from agencies)

Pro-Bolsonaro businessmen accused of coup talk raided by Brazilian police

Bolsonaro, climate change, and fires: The story of Amazon rainforest's devastation

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has officially launched his re-election campaign, as he trails his main rival badly in opinion polls.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro officially launches his re-election campaign

US President Joe Biden met Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro in Los Angeles on the sidelines of the Americas summit in a hastily arranged meeting. Biden reached out to Bolsonaro in a last attempt to try and save the summit.

Joe Biden meets Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro on the sidelines of Americas summit

<p>President Jair Bolsonaro sent his condolences Monday to the families of 91 people who died in torrential rains in northeastern Brazil, as rescue workers continued a grim search for victims.</p>

<p>Releasing an updated toll, authorities said 26 people remained missing in the region around the city of Recife, where days of downpours triggered flooding and landslides that swept away virtually everything in their path.</p>

<p>Bolsonaro posted a video on Twitter that showed him flying in a helicopter over a disaster zone where brown floodwater still inundated large areas and gashes of mud scarred hillsides where houses once stood.</p>

<p>"I tried to land, but the pilots' recommendation was that, given the instability of the soil, we could have an accident. So we decided against it," the far-right president told a news conference.</p>

<p>He recalled a string of devastating floods in Brazil that have killed hundreds of people in recent months, and which experts say are being aggravated by climate change.</p>

<p>"We send our condolences to the families. Our top priority is comforting the families and getting aid to the population," he said.</p>

<p><strong>'Can't eat or sleep'</strong></p>

<p>The force of the landslides ripped apart houses in neighborhoods including Jardim Monteverde, a poor community just outside Recife.</p>

<p>Rescue workers have found more than 20 bodies buried in the mud that tore through the neighborhood Saturday, and said they expect to find more.</p>

<p>"I can't eat or sleep. It's just so much pain," said Maria Lucia da Silva, a 56-year-old resident whose neighbors' house was destroyed, killing 11 people. A 12th member of the family remains missing.</p>

<p>"I've lived here for 40 years. They were like my family. I watched a lot of them grow up," Da Silva told AFP, crying behind her sunglasses.</p>

<p>Dozens of emergency workers are still digging through the ocean of muck, as clean-up crews in yellow uniforms clear the streets, slowly working their way through the wreckage, an AFP photographer saw.</p>

<p>In just hours on Friday and Saturday, parts of Pernambuco received 70 percent of the rain they usually get in the entire month of May.</p>

<p>"We never saw so much rain fall in so little time," said 60-year-old retiree Mario Guadalupe.</p>

<p>"I saw the landslide happen. First part of the hill gave way, then it was just a tsunami of mud. It nearly took out my house."</p>

<p><strong>'Screaming for help'</strong></p>

<p>Such tragedies are becoming a familiar script in Brazil.</p>

<p>They tend to hit hardest in poor neighborhoods, especially hillside favelas, or slums.</p>

<p>In February, 233 people were killed in floods and landslides in the southeastern city of Petropolis, in Rio de Janeiro state.</p>

<p>In January, torrential rains claimed at least 28 lives in southeastern Brazil, mostly in Sao Paulo state.</p>

<p>And in December, storms killed 24 people in the northeastern state of Bahia.</p>

<p>On that occasion, Bolsonaro -- who trails leftist ex-president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in polling ahead of elections in October -- faced criticism for not interrupting his year-end beach vacation to visit the disaster zone.</p>

<p>"Unfortunately these tragedies happen, a country the size of a continent has its share of problems," Bolsonaro said Monday.<br />
On the ground, many residents were angry.</p>

<p>"A lot of people lost everything -- even their lives. We're screaming for help. We need food, houses, clothing. So don't just come here to campaign. We need action," said Jardim Monteverde resident Jailson Gomes de Souza, 34.</p>

<p>Bolsonaro's government announced it has allocated one billion reais ($210 million) in emergency and reconstruction funds for areas hit by the latest storms.</p>

<p>Meteorologists say the heavy rains lashing Brazil's northeast are the product of a typical seasonal phenomenon called "eastern waves" -- areas of atmospheric disturbance that move from Africa to Brazil's northeastern coastal region.</p>

<p>The region remains at "very high" risk for further floods, said the national disaster monitoring center, Cemaden.</p>

<p>"We urge people to respect the alerts issued by the authorities" and evacuate if necessary, said Regional Development Minister Daniel Ferreira.</p>

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President Jair Bolsonaro sent his condolences Monday to the families of 91 people who died in torrential rains in northeastern Brazil, as rescue workers continued a grim search for victims.

President Jair Bolsonaro sent his condolences Monday to the families of 91 people who died in torrential rains in northeastern Brazil, as rescue workers continued a grim search for victims. Releasing an updated toll, authorities said 26 people remained missing in the region around the city of Recife, where days of downpours triggered flooding and landslides that swept away virtually everything in their path. Bolsonaro posted a video on Twitter that showed him flying in a helicopter over a disaster zone where brown floodwater still inundated large areas and gashes of mud scarred hillsides where houses once stood. "I tried to land, but the pilots' recommendation was that, given the instability of the soil, we could have an accident. So we decided against it," the far-right president told a news conference. He recalled a string of devastating floods in Brazil that have killed hundreds of people in recent months, and which experts say are being aggravated by climate change. "We send our condolences to the families. Our top priority is comforting the families and getting aid to the population," he said. 'Can't eat or sleep' The force of the landslides ripped apart houses in neighborhoods including Jardim Monteverde, a poor community just outside Recife. Rescue workers have found more than 20 bodies buried in the mud that tore through the neighborhood Saturday, and said they expect to find more. "I can't eat or sleep. It's just so much pain," said Maria Lucia da Silva, a 56-year-old resident whose neighbors' house was destroyed, killing 11 people. A 12th member of the family remains missing. "I've lived here for 40 years. They were like my family. I watched a lot of them grow up," Da Silva told AFP, crying behind her sunglasses. Dozens of emergency workers are still digging through the ocean of muck, as clean-up crews in yellow uniforms clear the streets, slowly working their way through the wreckage, an AFP photographer saw. In just hours on Friday and Saturday, parts of Pernambuco received 70 percent of the rain they usually get in the entire month of May. "We never saw so much rain fall in so little time," said 60-year-old retiree Mario Guadalupe. "I saw the landslide happen. First part of the hill gave way, then it was just a tsunami of mud. It nearly took out my house." 'Screaming for help' Such tragedies are becoming a familiar script in Brazil. They tend to hit hardest in poor neighborhoods, especially hillside favelas, or slums. In February, 233 people were killed in floods and landslides in the southeastern city of Petropolis, in Rio de Janeiro state. In January, torrential rains claimed at least 28 lives in southeastern Brazil, mostly in Sao Paulo state. And in December, storms killed 24 people in the northeastern state of Bahia. On that occasion, Bolsonaro -- who trails leftist ex-president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in polling ahead of elections in October -- faced criticism for not interrupting his year-end beach vacation to visit the disaster zone. "Unfortunately these tragedies happen, a country the size of a continent has its share of problems," Bolsonaro said Monday. On the ground, many residents were angry. "A lot of people lost everything -- even their lives. We're screaming for help. We need food, houses, clothing. So don't just come here to campaign. We need action," said Jardim Monteverde resident Jailson Gomes de Souza, 34. Bolsonaro's government announced it has allocated one billion reais ($210 million) in emergency and reconstruction funds for areas hit by the latest storms. Meteorologists say the heavy rains lashing Brazil's northeast are the product of a typical seasonal phenomenon called "eastern waves" -- areas of atmospheric disturbance that move from Africa to Brazil's northeastern coastal region. The region remains at "very high" risk for further floods, said the national disaster monitoring center, Cemaden. "We urge people to respect the alerts issued by the authorities" and evacuate if necessary, said Regional Development Minister Daniel Ferreira. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Bolsonaro views disaster zone from air after deadly Brazil rains

<p>At least 35 people have been killed by torrential rains in Brazil's northeastern Pernambuco state as downpours lashed two major cities on the Atlantic coast.</p>

<p>In what is the South American nation's fourth major flooding event in five months, 19 people died on the border between the state capital Recife and the municipality of Jaboatao dos Guararapes in a major landslide in the Jardim Monteverde community.</p>

<p>Expressing his "sorrow and solidarity to the victims of this sad disaster", Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has said his government will do everything possible "to alleviate the suffering."</p>

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<p>He has deployed a federal task force to Pernambuco "to assist in relief operations and provide the necessary aid to affected families."</p>

<p>Lamenting the flooding on Twitter, Bolsonaro's main opponent in an October presidential election, leftist Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said, "My solidarity to the families in the Recife metropolitan area who are suffering from the strong rains," he wrote.</p>

<p>Brazil's Civil Defence in a statement that six others were killed in another landslide in the municipality of Camaragibe.</p>

<p>According to Brazil's federal emergency service, authorities in the neighboring state of Alagoas had registered two deaths.</p>

<p>The heavy rains are the product of a typical seasonal phenomenon called "eastern waves" according to meteorologist Estael Sias, of the MetSul agency.</p>

<p>Calling them areas of "atmospheric disturbance" that move from the African continent to Brazil's northeastern coastal region, Sias told news agency AFP, "In other areas of the Atlantic this instability forms hurricanes, but in northeastern Brazil, it has the potential for a lot of rain and even thunderstorms."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Torrential downpours in the mountains of Rio de Janeiro state had previously killed more than 230 people in February after Brazil spent the majority of 2021 in a severe drought.<br />
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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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At least 35 people have been killed by torrential rains in Brazil's northeastern Pernambuco state as downpours lashed two major cities on the Atlantic coast. In what is the South American nation's fourth major flooding event in five months, 19 people died on the border between the state capital Recife and the municipality of Jaboatao dos Guararapes in a major landslide in the Jardim Monteverde community.

At least 35 people have been killed by torrential rains in Brazil's northeastern Pernambuco state as downpours lashed two major cities on the Atlantic coast. In what is the South American nation's fourth major flooding event in five months, 19 people died on the border between the state capital Recife and the municipality of Jaboatao dos Guararapes in a major landslide in the Jardim Monteverde community. Expressing his "sorrow and solidarity to the victims of this sad disaster", Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has said his government will do everything possible "to alleviate the suffering." He has deployed a federal task force to Pernambuco "to assist in relief operations and provide the necessary aid to affected families." Lamenting the flooding on Twitter, Bolsonaro's main opponent in an October presidential election, leftist Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said, "My solidarity to the families in the Recife metropolitan area who are suffering from the strong rains," he wrote. Brazil's Civil Defence in a statement that six others were killed in another landslide in the municipality of Camaragibe. According to Brazil's federal emergency service, authorities in the neighboring state of Alagoas had registered two deaths. The heavy rains are the product of a typical seasonal phenomenon called "eastern waves" according to meteorologist Estael Sias, of the MetSul agency. Calling them areas of "atmospheric disturbance" that move from the African continent to Brazil's northeastern coastal region, Sias told news agency AFP, "In other areas of the Atlantic this instability forms hurricanes, but in northeastern Brazil, it has the potential for a lot of rain and even thunderstorms." Torrential downpours in the mountains of Rio de Janeiro state had previously killed more than 230 people in February after Brazil spent the majority of 2021 in a severe drought. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here:

Brazil: At least 35 killed in heavy rains as downpours lash two major cities

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro asked Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio to 'shut up' after his comments on this year's presidential polls. Why is the Brazilian President picking fights with Hollywood? Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Bolsonaro asks Leonardo DiCaprio to 'shut up'

<p>Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro and Hollywood star Leonardo Dicaprio are sparring again. This time, it's the Brazilian president who has come up with a jibe, &nbsp;in keeping with his mercurial style. Bolsonaro on Thursday asked the Hollywood heartthrob to 'keep his mouth shut'.</p>

<p>Leonardo Dicaprio has been critical of Bolsonaro whose regime has presided over rampant deforestation in the Amazon rainforests which are critical for the global environment and to prevent climate change.</p>

<p>"Now, DiCaprio has to know that it was the very president of the World Trade Organization who said that without Brazilian agribusiness, the world would be hungry," Bolsonaro said. He was quoted by CNN</p>

<p>"So, DiCaprio better keep his mouth shut instead of talking nonsense."</p>

<p>Bolsonaro was reportedly speaking to a group of supporters.</p>

<p>Last week, both men sparred on Twitter. Leonardo DiCaprio, a staunch environmental activist, made a tweet urging Brazilian youths to register themselves as voters. He even posted a link to information on how to register as a voter.</p>

<p>"Brazil is home to the Amazon and other ecosystems critical to climate change. What happens there matters to us all and youth voting is key in driving change for a healthy planet. For more on voter registration in Brazil before May 4, visit http://olhaobarulhinho.com #tiraotitulohoje," tweeted DiCaprio</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Brazil is home to the Amazon and other ecosystems critical to climate change.<br />
What happens there matters to us all and youth voting is key in driving change for a healthy planet. For more on voter registration in Brazil before May 4, visit <a href="https://t.co/0mKrfxLdRR">https://t.co/0mKrfxLdRR</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/tiraotitulohoje?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#tiraotitulohoje</a></p>
— Leonardo DiCaprio (@LeoDiCaprio) <a href="https://twitter.com/LeoDiCaprio/status/1519767667363790848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 28, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>This was perceived as a nudge to Brazilian voters to change the regime in Brazil</p>

<p>"Thanks for your support, Leo! It's really important to have every Brazilian voting in the coming elections. Our people will decide if they want to keep our sovereignty on the Amazon or to be ruled by crooks who serve foreign special interest. Good job in The Revenant!" Bolsonaro shot back.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">- Thanks for your support, Leo! It's really important to have every Brazilian voting in the coming elections. Our people will decide if they want to keep our sovereignty on the Amazon or to be ruled by crooks who serve foreign special interest. Good job in The Revenant! 👍 <a href="https://t.co/kg3b6rmPCw">https://t.co/kg3b6rmPCw</a></p>
— Jair M. Bolsonaro (@jairbolsonaro) <a href="https://twitter.com/jairbolsonaro/status/1520154376374874113?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 29, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro and Hollywood star Leonardo Dicaprio are sparring again. This time, it's the Brazilian president who has come up with a jibe, in keeping with his mercurial style.

Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro and Hollywood star Leonardo Dicaprio are sparring again. This time, it's the Brazilian president who has come up with a jibe, in keeping with his mercurial style. Bolsonaro on Thursday asked the Hollywood heartthrob to 'keep his mouth shut'. Leonardo Dicaprio has been critical of Bolsonaro whose regime has presided over rampant deforestation in the Amazon rainforests which are critical for the global environment and to prevent climate change. "Now, DiCaprio has to know that it was the very president of the World Trade Organization who said that without Brazilian agribusiness, the world would be hungry," Bolsonaro said. He was quoted by CNN "So, DiCaprio better keep his mouth shut instead of talking nonsense." Bolsonaro was reportedly speaking to a group of supporters. Last week, both men sparred on Twitter. Leonardo DiCaprio, a staunch environmental activist, made a tweet urging Brazilian youths to register themselves as voters. He even posted a link to information on how to register as a voter. "Brazil is home to the Amazon and other ecosystems critical to climate change. What happens there matters to us all and youth voting is key in driving change for a healthy planet. For more on voter registration in Brazil before May 4, visit http://olhaobarulhinho.com #tiraotitulohoje," tweeted DiCaprio Brazil is home to the Amazon and other ecosystems critical to climate change. What happens there matters to us all and youth voting is key in driving change for a healthy planet. For more on voter registration in Brazil before May 4, visit https://t.co/0mKrfxLdRR #tiraotitulohoje — Leonardo DiCaprio (@LeoDiCaprio) April 28, 2022 × This was perceived as a nudge to Brazilian voters to change the regime in Brazil "Thanks for your support, Leo! It's really important to have every Brazilian voting in the coming elections. Our people will decide if they want to keep our sovereignty on the Amazon or to be ruled by crooks who serve foreign special interest. Good job in The Revenant!" Bolsonaro shot back. - Thanks for your support, Leo! It's really important to have every Brazilian voting in the coming elections. Our people will decide if they want to keep our sovereignty on the Amazon or to be ruled by crooks who serve foreign special interest. Good job in The Revenant! 👍 https://t.co/kg3b6rmPCw — Jair M. Bolsonaro (@jairbolsonaro) April 29, 2022 × WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Brazil President Bolsonaro tells Leonardo Dicaprio to 'keep his mouth shut'

<p>&nbsp;A group of&nbsp;Brazilian President Jair&nbsp;Bolsonaro's&nbsp;allies&nbsp;allegedly&nbsp;is coordinating a disinformation campaign and targeting of his political rivals ahead of the Oct. 2 presidential election, according to a public extract from a federal&nbsp;police&nbsp;probe.</p>

<p>The partial report, which became publicly accessible after it was sent to the Supreme Court on Thursday, is from the so-called "Digital Militias" investigation led by Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, a crusading justice who has headed previous high-profile probes into&nbsp;Bolsonaro&nbsp;and his supporters.</p>

<p>Moraes, accused by&nbsp;Bolsonaro&nbsp;of favoring leftist front-runner Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in this year's presidential election, is probing what lead&nbsp;police&nbsp;investigator Denisse Ribeiro has described as a "cabinet of hate" comprised of supporters of the far-right populist who are&nbsp;allegedly&nbsp;flooding social media with&nbsp;fake&nbsp;news&nbsp;and trashing&nbsp;Bolsonaro's enemies.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazils-bolsonaro-downplays-omicron-says-its-a-welcome-variant-444537">Brazil's Bolsonaro downplays Omicron, says its a 'welcome' variant</a></strong></p>

<p>Ribeiro said in the partial report that there is evidence to suggest an "orchestrated action" to identify targets, and create and spread disinformation for "ideological, party-political and financial gains."</p>

<p>The partial report has not yet named any of the people&nbsp;allegedly&nbsp;engaged in the&nbsp;fake&nbsp;news&nbsp;effort.&nbsp;Bolsonaro's office did not respond to a request for comment.</p>

<p>The report is likely to worsen relations between&nbsp;Bolsonaro&nbsp;and the Supreme Court, and stoke growing institutional tensions ahead of a vote in which the incumbent faces an uphill re-election battle.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro admitted to hospital with abdominal discomfort</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/brazilian-president-jair-bolsonaro-admitted-to-hospital-with-abdominal-discomfort-442121/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Moraes has become a key&nbsp;Bolsonaro&nbsp;antagonist and a lightning rod for the president's supporters.</p>

<p>In December, the justice ordered that a probe be opened after&nbsp;Bolsonaro&nbsp;said during a live broadcast on multiple social media platforms that COVID-19 vaccines might raise the chance of contracting AIDS.</p>

<p>Bolsonaro, however, faces little jeopardy from the probes while in office, experts say. Earlier this month, the federal&nbsp;police&nbsp;said the president committed a crime by revealing details about a sealed criminal probe, but chose not to recommend he be charged due to his immunity while in office.&nbsp;Bolsonaro's office did not respond to a request for comment when contacted earlier this month about the matter.</p>

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A group of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro's allies allegedly is coordinating a disinformation campaign and targeting of his political rivals ahead of the Oct.

A group of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro's allies allegedly is coordinating a disinformation campaign and targeting of his political rivals ahead of the Oct. 2 presidential election, according to a public extract from a federal police probe. The partial report, which became publicly accessible after it was sent to the Supreme Court on Thursday, is from the so-called "Digital Militias" investigation led by Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, a crusading justice who has headed previous high-profile probes into Bolsonaro and his supporters. Moraes, accused by Bolsonaro of favoring leftist front-runner Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in this year's presidential election, is probing what lead police investigator Denisse Ribeiro has described as a "cabinet of hate" comprised of supporters of the far-right populist who are allegedly flooding social media with fake news and trashing Bolsonaro's enemies. Also read | Brazil's Bolsonaro downplays Omicron, says its a 'welcome' variant Ribeiro said in the partial report that there is evidence to suggest an "orchestrated action" to identify targets, and create and spread disinformation for "ideological, party-political and financial gains." The partial report has not yet named any of the people allegedly engaged in the fake news effort. Bolsonaro's office did not respond to a request for comment. The report is likely to worsen relations between Bolsonaro and the Supreme Court, and stoke growing institutional tensions ahead of a vote in which the incumbent faces an uphill re-election battle. Watch | Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro admitted to hospital with abdominal discomfort Moraes has become a key Bolsonaro antagonist and a lightning rod for the president's supporters. In December, the justice ordered that a probe be opened after Bolsonaro said during a live broadcast on multiple social media platforms that COVID-19 vaccines might raise the chance of contracting AIDS. Bolsonaro, however, faces little jeopardy from the probes while in office, experts say. Earlier this month, the federal police said the president committed a crime by revealing details about a sealed criminal probe, but chose not to recommend he be charged due to his immunity while in office. Bolsonaro's office did not respond to a request for comment when contacted earlier this month about the matter.

Bolsonaro allies allegedly pushing fake news effort, Brazil police document says

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