Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro appointed center-right Senator Ciro Nogueira as his chief of staff on Wednesday to shore up waning political support in Congress, and recreated the labour ministry to deal with record unemployment.

Nogueira, a leader of the Progressives Party (PP) to which lower house speaker Arthur Lira also belongs, will be Bolsonaro's closest aide and minister, replacing a retired general.

His appointment is aimed at improving the far-right president's relations with Congress, where there have been dozens of requests for his impeachment as his popularity drops during the world's second-deadliest COVID-19 outbreak.

A Senate investigation has uncovered potential irregularities in the government's purchase of COVID-19 vaccines needed to fight a pandemic whose gravity Bolsonaro has minimized despite the deaths of more than 550,000 Brazilians.

Only the United States has recorded more deaths from the pandemic.

Bolsonaro also appointed Onyx Lorenzoni to head a new Ministry of Labour and Social Security tasked with tackling record unemployment exacerbated by the pandemic. Brazil's jobless rate was at a historic high of 14.7% in April.

The labour ministry, dating back to 1930, was dissolved by Bolsonaro on his fist day in office on Jan. 1, 2019, as he sought to reduce the size of the state's involvement in the economy under free-market Economy Minster Paulo Guedes.

Lorenzoni will be responsible for labour policies aimed at generating employment and supporting workers, according to a decree issued by Bolsonaro recreating the ministry.

The appointment of Nogueira is expected to make his PP party the main component of any coalition that Bolsonaro will try to build to seek re-election next year.

Recent opinion polls show Bolsonaro's popularity plummeting over his handling of the coronavirus pandemic and say he would be defeated handily by leftist former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva if the election were held now.

To make matters worse, the Senate probe has implicated the government's chief whip in the lower house of Congress, Ricardo Barros, also of the PP party, in a scandal surrounding a purchase contract for 20 million doses of the Covaxin vaccine made by India's Bharat Biotech. Barros and Bolsonaro deny wrongdoing.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro appointed center-right Senator Ciro Nogueira as his chief of staff on Wednesday to shore up waning political support in Congress, and recreated the labour ministry to deal with record unemployment.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro appointed center-right Senator Ciro Nogueira as his chief of staff on Wednesday to shore up waning political support in Congress, and recreated the labour ministry to deal with record unemployment. Nogueira, a leader of the Progressives Party (PP) to which lower house speaker Arthur Lira also belongs, will be Bolsonaro's closest aide and minister, replacing a retired general. His appointment is aimed at improving the far-right president's relations with Congress, where there have been dozens of requests for his impeachment as his popularity drops during the world's second-deadliest COVID-19 outbreak. A Senate investigation has uncovered potential irregularities in the government's purchase of COVID-19 vaccines needed to fight a pandemic whose gravity Bolsonaro has minimized despite the deaths of more than 550,000 Brazilians. Only the United States has recorded more deaths from the pandemic. Bolsonaro also appointed Onyx Lorenzoni to head a new Ministry of Labour and Social Security tasked with tackling record unemployment exacerbated by the pandemic. Brazil's jobless rate was at a historic high of 14.7% in April. The labour ministry, dating back to 1930, was dissolved by Bolsonaro on his fist day in office on Jan. 1, 2019, as he sought to reduce the size of the state's involvement in the economy under free-market Economy Minster Paulo Guedes. Lorenzoni will be responsible for labour policies aimed at generating employment and supporting workers, according to a decree issued by Bolsonaro recreating the ministry. The appointment of Nogueira is expected to make his PP party the main component of any coalition that Bolsonaro will try to build to seek re-election next year. Recent opinion polls show Bolsonaro's popularity plummeting over his handling of the coronavirus pandemic and say he would be defeated handily by leftist former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva if the election were held now. To make matters worse, the Senate probe has implicated the government's chief whip in the lower house of Congress, Ricardo Barros, also of the PP party, in a scandal surrounding a purchase contract for 20 million doses of the Covaxin vaccine made by India's Bharat Biotech. Barros and Bolsonaro deny wrongdoing.

Brazil's Bolsonaro shuffles cabinet, recreates labour ministry

Protesters took to the streets in several Brazilian cities on Saturday to demand the impeachment of far-right President Jair Bolsonaro, whose popularity has fallen in recent weeks amid corruption scandals against the backdrop of the pandemic. 
 
This week, news broke that Brazil's defence ministry told congressional leadership that next year's elections would not take place without amending the country's electronic voting system to include a paper trail of each vote. 
 
Bolsonaro has suggested several times without evidence that the current system is prone to fraud, allegations that Brazil's government has denied. 
 
Bolsonaro is facing reelection next year, in a race in which he is likely to face his political nemesis, former leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Polls currently show Bolsonaro losing against Lula. 
 
Saturday's protests were at least the second time this month that Brazilians have taken to the streets in several cities to oppose Bolsonaro. 
 
"I'm here because it is time to react to the genocidal government that we have, that has taken over our country," said Marcos Kirst, a protester in Sao Paulo. 
 
Over 500,000 Brazilians have died of COVID-19 under Bolsonaro's leadership, who has been widely criticised for dismissing the severity of the disease and opposing masks and social distancing measures. 
 
Bolsonaro is now being investigated in the Senate, which is probing the possibility of corruption tied to the purchase of an Indian coronavirus vaccine. 
 
In Sao Paulo's Paulista Avenue, the traditional location for political protests, over a thousand people were gathering as of 4 pm on&nbsp;Saturday. 
 
Bolsonaro was in Brasilia, the capital, on Saturday and went out for a motorcycle ride while greeting supporters.

Protesters took to the streets in several Brazilian cities on Saturday to demand the impeachment of far-right President Jair Bolsonaro, whose popularity has fallen in recent weeks amid corruption scandals against the backdrop of the pandemic.

Protesters took to the streets in several Brazilian cities on Saturday to demand the impeachment of far-right President Jair Bolsonaro, whose popularity has fallen in recent weeks amid corruption scandals against the backdrop of the pandemic. This week, news broke that Brazil's defence ministry told congressional leadership that next year's elections would not take place without amending the country's electronic voting system to include a paper trail of each vote. Bolsonaro has suggested several times without evidence that the current system is prone to fraud, allegations that Brazil's government has denied. Bolsonaro is facing reelection next year, in a race in which he is likely to face his political nemesis, former leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Polls currently show Bolsonaro losing against Lula. Saturday's protests were at least the second time this month that Brazilians have taken to the streets in several cities to oppose Bolsonaro. "I'm here because it is time to react to the genocidal government that we have, that has taken over our country," said Marcos Kirst, a protester in Sao Paulo. Over 500,000 Brazilians have died of COVID-19 under Bolsonaro's leadership, who has been widely criticised for dismissing the severity of the disease and opposing masks and social distancing measures. Bolsonaro is now being investigated in the Senate, which is probing the possibility of corruption tied to the purchase of an Indian coronavirus vaccine. In Sao Paulo's Paulista Avenue, the traditional location for political protests, over a thousand people were gathering as of 4 pm on Saturday. Bolsonaro was in Brasilia, the capital, on Saturday and went out for a motorcycle ride while greeting supporters.

Brazilians take to streets again to demand Bolsonaro's impeachment

YouTube said on Wednesday it had removed videos from Brazilian President Jair&nbsp;Bolsonaro's channel for spreading misinformation about the coronavirus outbreak, becoming the latest tech giant to pull his pandemic pronouncements.

YouTube said in a press release the decision was taken "after careful review" and without consideration for&nbsp;Bolsonaro's job or political ideology. The far-right former army captain, who has overseen the world's second deadliest outbreak, has won widespread criticism for railing against lockdowns, touting unproven miracle cures, sowing vaccine doubts and shunning masks.

"Our rules do not allow content that states that hydroxychloroquine and/or ivermectin are effective in treating or preventing COVID-19, that states there is a cure for the disease, or says that masks do not work to prevent the spread of the virus," it said in a statement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-president-jair-bolsonaro-discharged-from-hospital-after-successful-treatment-for-hiccups-398912">Also read |&nbsp;Brazil President, Jair Bolsonaro, discharged from hospital after successful treatment for hiccups</a>

The president's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Last year, both Twitter and Facebook took down videos of&nbsp;Bolsonaro&nbsp;for breaching their terms of use after he made pronouncements that went against the recommendations of global public health experts.

Bolsonaro's YouTube channel plays host to his weekly national addresses, which are folksy, musical events in which he invites on ministers, takes questions from viewers and blasts his enemies.

During the chats, which also go out on his Facebook page, he regularly expounds on his doubts about the severity of the virus, the foolishness of stay-at-home measures and the wonders of unproven drugs like hydroxychloroquine.

YouTube said on Wednesday it had removed videos from Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro's channel for spreading misinformation about the coronavirus outbreak, becoming the latest tech giant to pull his pandemic pronouncements.

YouTube said on Wednesday it had removed videos from Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro's channel for spreading misinformation about the coronavirus outbreak, becoming the latest tech giant to pull his pandemic pronouncements. YouTube said in a press release the decision was taken "after careful review" and without consideration for Bolsonaro's job or political ideology. The far-right former army captain, who has overseen the world's second deadliest outbreak, has won widespread criticism for railing against lockdowns, touting unproven miracle cures, sowing vaccine doubts and shunning masks. "Our rules do not allow content that states that hydroxychloroquine and/or ivermectin are effective in treating or preventing COVID-19, that states there is a cure for the disease, or says that masks do not work to prevent the spread of the virus," it said in a statement. Also read | Brazil President, Jair Bolsonaro, discharged from hospital after successful treatment for hiccups The president's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Last year, both Twitter and Facebook took down videos of Bolsonaro for breaching their terms of use after he made pronouncements that went against the recommendations of global public health experts. Bolsonaro's YouTube channel plays host to his weekly national addresses, which are folksy, musical events in which he invites on ministers, takes questions from viewers and blasts his enemies. During the chats, which also go out on his Facebook page, he regularly expounds on his doubts about the severity of the virus, the foolishness of stay-at-home measures and the wonders of unproven drugs like hydroxychloroquine.

YouTube says it pulled Bolsonaro videos for COVID-19 misinformation

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, undergoing hospital treatment for complications following a near-fatal 2018 stabbing, said on Saturday that he feels fine and cannot wait to get back to work. 
 
The Vila Nova Star hospital where Bolsonaro has been since Wednesday said that is making satisfactory progress and may be discharged within days, while chief surgeon Antonio Macedo told journalists that he could be released on Sunday. 
 
Bolsonaro was offered a diet of soups and purees on Saturday, and assuming he showed no negative reaction, he could be discharged in the next few days, according to the hospital statement. 
 
Bolsonaro, 66, has been in the Sao Paulo hospital since Wednesday for treatment relating to an obstructed intestine following the 2018 knifing. 
 
In a live online event on Saturday to mark the opening of a Caixa Economica bank branch in the northern state of Ceará, Bolsonaro said he is feeling fine and itching to get back to work. 
 
"I'm fine, thank God. The problem I had earlier this week was still due to the stab wound I received in 2018 ... from time to time, it affects the gut," Bolsonaro said in the live event, explaining that he will not undergo surgery. 
 
"I can't wait to get back to work, see friends, and really get Brazil moving," he added.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, undergoing hospital treatment for complications following a near-fatal 2018 stabbing, said on Saturday that he feels fine and cannot wait to get back to work.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, undergoing hospital treatment for complications following a near-fatal 2018 stabbing, said on Saturday that he feels fine and cannot wait to get back to work. The Vila Nova Star hospital where Bolsonaro has been since Wednesday said that is making satisfactory progress and may be discharged within days, while chief surgeon Antonio Macedo told journalists that he could be released on Sunday. Bolsonaro was offered a diet of soups and purees on Saturday, and assuming he showed no negative reaction, he could be discharged in the next few days, according to the hospital statement. Bolsonaro, 66, has been in the Sao Paulo hospital since Wednesday for treatment relating to an obstructed intestine following the 2018 knifing. In a live online event on Saturday to mark the opening of a Caixa Economica bank branch in the northern state of Ceará, Bolsonaro said he is feeling fine and itching to get back to work. "I'm fine, thank God. The problem I had earlier this week was still due to the stab wound I received in 2018 ... from time to time, it affects the gut," Bolsonaro said in the live event, explaining that he will not undergo surgery. "I can't wait to get back to work, see friends, and really get Brazil moving," he added.

Brazil's Bolsonaro feeling 'fine', could be discharged from hospital on Sunday

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, undergoing hospital treatment for an obstructed intestine after a near-fatal 2018 stabbing, said on Friday, he hoped to be "back in action soon," while doctors gave no date for him to be discharged. 
 
Bolsonaro, 66, has been in the hospital since Wednesday, when he traveled from Brasilia to Sao Paulo for treatment relating to complications from the 2018 knifing. After initial concerns he might need emergency surgery, doctors now say he is improving, with an operation less likely. 
 
His doctors said in a statement on Friday evening the president was recovering in a satisfactory manner, and that the president began eating again in a smooth fashion. They gave no date for his release from hospital, however. 
 
Earlier on Friday, Bolsonaro tweeted a photo of himself, walking along a hospital corridor with a drip attached to his neck and looking stern-faced. 
 
"Back in action soon, God willing!," he wrote. "We've done a lot, but we still have a lot to do for our Brazil!" 
 
Bolsonaro had said in a TV interview on Thursday he could be out of hospital on Friday. 
 
On Thursday evening, the president`s doctors said they had removed a gastric catheter from Bolsonaro and that he would begin eating again on Friday. 
 
Bolsonaro has faced several health issues during his presidency, mainly stemming from long-term complications after he suffered a perforated intestine when he was stabbed on the campaign trail in 2018. He was also ill with COVID-19 last year. 
 
Bolsonaro is in a weak political position as senators probe a corruption scandal over the purchase of coronavirus vaccines and he faces criticism over his handling of the pandemic. 
 
COVID-19 has killed nearly 540,000 people in Brazil - the world's second highest death toll behind the United States.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, undergoing hospital treatment for an obstructed intestine after a near-fatal 2018 stabbing, said on Friday, he hoped to be "back in action soon," while doctors gave no date for him to be discharged.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, undergoing hospital treatment for an obstructed intestine after a near-fatal 2018 stabbing, said on Friday, he hoped to be "back in action soon," while doctors gave no date for him to be discharged. Bolsonaro, 66, has been in the hospital since Wednesday, when he traveled from Brasilia to Sao Paulo for treatment relating to complications from the 2018 knifing. After initial concerns he might need emergency surgery, doctors now say he is improving, with an operation less likely. His doctors said in a statement on Friday evening the president was recovering in a satisfactory manner, and that the president began eating again in a smooth fashion. They gave no date for his release from hospital, however. Earlier on Friday, Bolsonaro tweeted a photo of himself, walking along a hospital corridor with a drip attached to his neck and looking stern-faced. "Back in action soon, God willing!," he wrote. "We've done a lot, but we still have a lot to do for our Brazil!" Bolsonaro had said in a TV interview on Thursday he could be out of hospital on Friday. On Thursday evening, the president`s doctors said they had removed a gastric catheter from Bolsonaro and that he would begin eating again on Friday. Bolsonaro has faced several health issues during his presidency, mainly stemming from long-term complications after he suffered a perforated intestine when he was stabbed on the campaign trail in 2018. He was also ill with COVID-19 last year. Bolsonaro is in a weak political position as senators probe a corruption scandal over the purchase of coronavirus vaccines and he faces criticism over his handling of the pandemic. COVID-19 has killed nearly 540,000 people in Brazil - the world's second highest death toll behind the United States.

Brazil's Bolsonaro recovering, says will be 'back in action soon'

Brazil President Jair&nbsp;Bolsonaro&nbsp;was making satisfactory progress on Thursday according to the hospital where he is receiving treatment for a blocked intestine.

Far right leader&nbsp;Bolsonaro&nbsp;was taken to a military hospital in the capital Brasilia on Wednesday after suffering persistent hiccups and abdominal pain for around 10 days.

The 66-year-old was later transferred by a Brazilian Air Force airplane to the Vila Nova Star private hospital in Sao Paulo for further tests to determine whether or not he would need to undergo surgery.

The hospital decided on Wednesday to begin with a "conservative clinical treatment."

It said in a statement Thursday&nbsp;Bolsonaro&nbsp;remained in its care and was "evolving satisfactorily."

"The previously established treatment plan remains in place. The president will remain with no discharge scheduled," the hospital added.

There are no plans to operate but should the hospital change its mind, it would be the president's seventh surgery since he was stabbed in the abdomen in 2018 on the campaign trail.

His legislator son, Eduardo&nbsp;Bolsonaro, said in a video published to Telegram that doctors had removed "close to one liter (a quarter of a gallon) of liquid" from the president's stomach that was caused by the obstruction, considerably alleviating the pain.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazils-president-jair-bolsonaro-gets-hospitalised-to-find-cause-of-hiccups-398087">Also read |&nbsp;Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro gets hospitalised to find cause of 'hiccups'</a>

Another son, senator Flavio&nbsp;Bolsonaro, said his father had been "intubated as a precaution" when he was taken to the hospital in Brasilia.&nbsp;

His admission to the hospital came at a difficult time for&nbsp;Bolsonaro&nbsp;who last week saw his disapproval rating climb to an all-time high.

The Senate has also launched an investigation over his handling of the pandemic, the seriousness of which he repeatedly downplayed and which has cost almost 540,000 lives in Brazil. The investigation was extended by 90 days on Wednesday.

Bolsonaro, who contracted Covid-19 last year, is also being investigated by the public prosecutor for allegedly failing to act on an embezzlement tip-off regarding coronavirus vaccine purchases.&nbsp;

The opposition is pushing for the president of the chamber of deputies to open impeachment proceedings against&nbsp;Bolsonaro.

Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro was making satisfactory progress on Thursday according to the hospital where he is receiving treatment for a blocked intestine. Far right leader Bolsonaro was taken to a military hospital in the capital Brasilia on Wednesday after suffering persistent hiccups and abdominal pain for around 10 days.

Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro was making satisfactory progress on Thursday according to the hospital where he is receiving treatment for a blocked intestine. Far right leader Bolsonaro was taken to a military hospital in the capital Brasilia on Wednesday after suffering persistent hiccups and abdominal pain for around 10 days. The 66-year-old was later transferred by a Brazilian Air Force airplane to the Vila Nova Star private hospital in Sao Paulo for further tests to determine whether or not he would need to undergo surgery. The hospital decided on Wednesday to begin with a "conservative clinical treatment." It said in a statement Thursday Bolsonaro remained in its care and was "evolving satisfactorily." "The previously established treatment plan remains in place. The president will remain with no discharge scheduled," the hospital added. There are no plans to operate but should the hospital change its mind, it would be the president's seventh surgery since he was stabbed in the abdomen in 2018 on the campaign trail. His legislator son, Eduardo Bolsonaro, said in a video published to Telegram that doctors had removed "close to one liter (a quarter of a gallon) of liquid" from the president's stomach that was caused by the obstruction, considerably alleviating the pain. Also read | Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro gets hospitalised to find cause of 'hiccups' Another son, senator Flavio Bolsonaro, said his father had been "intubated as a precaution" when he was taken to the hospital in Brasilia. His admission to the hospital came at a difficult time for Bolsonaro who last week saw his disapproval rating climb to an all-time high. The Senate has also launched an investigation over his handling of the pandemic, the seriousness of which he repeatedly downplayed and which has cost almost 540,000 lives in Brazil. The investigation was extended by 90 days on Wednesday. Bolsonaro, who contracted Covid-19 last year, is also being investigated by the public prosecutor for allegedly failing to act on an embezzlement tip-off regarding coronavirus vaccine purchases. The opposition is pushing for the president of the chamber of deputies to open impeachment proceedings against Bolsonaro.

Brazilian President Bolsonaro's condition 'evolving satisfactorily', says hospital

After Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro was admitted to hospital due to persistent hiccups, it was revealed that the far-right leader is suffering from an "intestinal obstruction," the government said. If the surgery is confirmed, it would be the president's seventh surgery since he was stabbed by a former member of the Socialist and Freedom Party (PSOL), a group that broke away from the Workers' Party (PT) of former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who is eyeing a run against Bolsonaro next year.

The 66-year-old had been complaining publicly since last week about suffering from hiccups following a July 3 surgery on a dental implant.

At first, he was taken to a military hospital in the capital Brasilia but was then flown in a Brazilian Air Force plane to Sao Paulo where he was admitted to the Vila Nova Star private hospital. There he underwent clinical, laboratory and imaging tests and was being kept in the hospital, for the time being, doctors said.

"He is in good spirits and feels well," the presidency had said earlier in the day.

Also, Bolsonaro was examined in Brasilia by Antonio Macedo. He has operated on the president several times since he was stabbed in the abdomen in 2018 while on the campaign trail.

The hospital said he would "initially" be given a "conservative clinical treatment."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-declining-popularity-bolsonaros-disapproval-rating-surpasses-50-for-the-first-time-397157">Also read | Amid declining popularity, Bolsonaro's disapproval rating surpasses 50% for the first time</a>

Speaking to a local radio station last week, Bolsonaro had said: "This happened to me before, maybe due to the medicine I'm taking, I have hiccups 24 hours a day."

Bolsonaro also contracted Covid-19 last year. However, his symptoms were mild and he did not need hospital treatment.

Bolsonaro is also being investigated by the public prosecutor for allegedly failing to act on an embezzlement tip-off regarding coronavirus vaccine purchases.&nbsp;

The opposition is pushing for the chamber of deputies president to open impeachment proceedings against Bolsonaro.

After Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro was admitted to hospital due to persistent hiccups, it was revealed that the far-right leader is suffering from an "intestinal obstruction," the government said.

After Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro was admitted to hospital due to persistent hiccups, it was revealed that the far-right leader is suffering from an "intestinal obstruction," the government said. If the surgery is confirmed, it would be the president's seventh surgery since he was stabbed by a former member of the Socialist and Freedom Party (PSOL), a group that broke away from the Workers' Party (PT) of former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who is eyeing a run against Bolsonaro next year. The 66-year-old had been complaining publicly since last week about suffering from hiccups following a July 3 surgery on a dental implant. At first, he was taken to a military hospital in the capital Brasilia but was then flown in a Brazilian Air Force plane to Sao Paulo where he was admitted to the Vila Nova Star private hospital. There he underwent clinical, laboratory and imaging tests and was being kept in the hospital, for the time being, doctors said. "He is in good spirits and feels well," the presidency had said earlier in the day. Also, Bolsonaro was examined in Brasilia by Antonio Macedo. He has operated on the president several times since he was stabbed in the abdomen in 2018 while on the campaign trail. The hospital said he would "initially" be given a "conservative clinical treatment." Also read | Amid declining popularity, Bolsonaro's disapproval rating surpasses 50% for the first time Speaking to a local radio station last week, Bolsonaro had said: "This happened to me before, maybe due to the medicine I'm taking, I have hiccups 24 hours a day." Bolsonaro also contracted Covid-19 last year. However, his symptoms were mild and he did not need hospital treatment. Bolsonaro is also being investigated by the public prosecutor for allegedly failing to act on an embezzlement tip-off regarding coronavirus vaccine purchases. The opposition is pushing for the chamber of deputies president to open impeachment proceedings against Bolsonaro.

Bolsonaro hospitalised after 'chronic hiccups', may need surgery to remove intestinal obstruction

A poll released on Saturday showed for the first time that a majority of Brazilians support impeaching President Jair Bolsonaro. Serious graft allegations in connection with vaccine procurement have hit Bolsonaro's already maligned image.&nbsp;

The survey was carried out by Datafloha. As per the survey, 54 per cent Brazilians support a proposed move by the country's lower house to open impeachment proceedings against Bolsonaro, while 42% oppose it. In the last Datafolha survey on the issue, released in May, supporters and opponents of impeachment were essentially tied.

In a separate Datafolha poll, released on Thursday, 51% of Brazilians said they disapproved of Bolsonaro, the highest figure since he took office in January 2019.

In recent weeks, Brasilia has been rocked by allegations that federal officials solicited bribes to fast-track and overpay for the Covaxin vaccine developed by India's Bharat Biotech. In late June, Brazil's Health Ministry suspended ($304 million) procurement deal.

A Health Ministry official and a congressman have said they shared their concerns about the Covaxin deal with Bolsonaro, but that no action appeared to have been taken. Last week, a Supreme Court judge authorized an investigation into the president for dereliction of duty.

In a radio interview on Saturday, Bolsonaro said he had taken measures after the officials shared their concerns about the Covaxin deal, but he did not elaborate further.

(With inputs from agencies)

A poll released on Saturday showed for the first time that a majority of Brazilians support impeaching President Jair Bolsonaro. Serious graft allegations in connection with vaccine procurement have hit Bolsonaro's already maligned image.

A poll released on Saturday showed for the first time that a majority of Brazilians support impeaching President Jair Bolsonaro. Serious graft allegations in connection with vaccine procurement have hit Bolsonaro's already maligned image. The survey was carried out by Datafloha. As per the survey, 54 per cent Brazilians support a proposed move by the country's lower house to open impeachment proceedings against Bolsonaro, while 42% oppose it. In the last Datafolha survey on the issue, released in May, supporters and opponents of impeachment were essentially tied. In a separate Datafolha poll, released on Thursday, 51% of Brazilians said they disapproved of Bolsonaro, the highest figure since he took office in January 2019. In recent weeks, Brasilia has been rocked by allegations that federal officials solicited bribes to fast-track and overpay for the Covaxin vaccine developed by India's Bharat Biotech. In late June, Brazil's Health Ministry suspended ($304 million) procurement deal. A Health Ministry official and a congressman have said they shared their concerns about the Covaxin deal with Bolsonaro, but that no action appeared to have been taken. Last week, a Supreme Court judge authorized an investigation into the president for dereliction of duty. In a radio interview on Saturday, Bolsonaro said he had taken measures after the officials shared their concerns about the Covaxin deal, but he did not elaborate further. (With inputs from agencies)

Poll shows majority of Brazilians support impeaching Bolsonaro

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro’s disapproval rating passed 50 per cent for the first time, according to a poll published by the Datafolha Institute, marking a new low in the far-right leader’s declining popularity.

Bolsonaro’s gap to former leftist president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva ahead of next year’s elections also increased from 18 to 21 percentage points.

The percentage of people that consider Bolsonaro to be doing a “bad" or “terrible" job increased from 45 per cent in May to 51 per cent in the poll conducted among more than 2,000 people from July 7-8 and published overnight Thursday to Friday. Bolsonaro’s approval rating also remained at its lowest mark of 24 per cent, set in May.

His highest approval rating of 37 per cent came in December 2020.

But his popularity started to plummet from January 2021, when the government stopped handing out subsidies to mitigate the economic crunch caused by the first wave of the coronavirus pandemic in the country of 212 million people.

And the fall continued as Brazil entered a second, and more lethal, pandemic wave at the beginning of 2021, followed by corruption allegations surrounding Bolsonaro’s handling of the health crisis, which has claimed the lives of 530,000 Brazilians.

In the election opinion polls, Bolsonaro’s share increased from 23 per cent in May to 25 Percent, but the uptick fell short of Lula’s jump from 41 to 46 per cent.

Former trade unionist Lula, 75, was denied the possibility of running against Bolsonaro in 2018, as he was serving a 12-year graft sentence linked to the Petrobras corruption scandal. But he was released 18 months later and in March had his convictions quashed on procedural grounds.

The Datafolha poll found the popular Lula would defeat 66-year-old Bolsonaro by 58 per cent to 31 per cent in a second-round election run-off — another four per cent increase on the difference in May.

Both men have their detractors, however, with Bolsonaro’s rejection rating rising from 54 to 59 per cent and Lula’s creeping up from 36 to 37 per cent. Bolsonaro is the subject of a senate investigation over his handling of the pandemic, the seriousness of which he repeatedly downplayed.

He’s also being investigated by the public prosecutor for allegedly failing to act on an embezzlement tip-off regarding coronavirus vaccine purchases. The opposition is pushing for the chamber of deputies president to open impeachment proceedings against Bolsonaro.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro’s disapproval rating passed 50 per cent for the first time, according to a poll published by the Datafolha Institute, marking a new low in the far-right leader’s declining popularity.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro’s disapproval rating passed 50 per cent for the first time, according to a poll published by the Datafolha Institute, marking a new low in the far-right leader’s declining popularity. Bolsonaro’s gap to former leftist president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva ahead of next year’s elections also increased from 18 to 21 percentage points. The percentage of people that consider Bolsonaro to be doing a “bad" or “terrible" job increased from 45 per cent in May to 51 per cent in the poll conducted among more than 2,000 people from July 7-8 and published overnight Thursday to Friday. Bolsonaro’s approval rating also remained at its lowest mark of 24 per cent, set in May. His highest approval rating of 37 per cent came in December 2020. But his popularity started to plummet from January 2021, when the government stopped handing out subsidies to mitigate the economic crunch caused by the first wave of the coronavirus pandemic in the country of 212 million people. And the fall continued as Brazil entered a second, and more lethal, pandemic wave at the beginning of 2021, followed by corruption allegations surrounding Bolsonaro’s handling of the health crisis, which has claimed the lives of 530,000 Brazilians. In the election opinion polls, Bolsonaro’s share increased from 23 per cent in May to 25 Percent, but the uptick fell short of Lula’s jump from 41 to 46 per cent. Former trade unionist Lula, 75, was denied the possibility of running against Bolsonaro in 2018, as he was serving a 12-year graft sentence linked to the Petrobras corruption scandal. But he was released 18 months later and in March had his convictions quashed on procedural grounds. The Datafolha poll found the popular Lula would defeat 66-year-old Bolsonaro by 58 per cent to 31 per cent in a second-round election run-off — another four per cent increase on the difference in May. Both men have their detractors, however, with Bolsonaro’s rejection rating rising from 54 to 59 per cent and Lula’s creeping up from 36 to 37 per cent. Bolsonaro is the subject of a senate investigation over his handling of the pandemic, the seriousness of which he repeatedly downplayed. He’s also being investigated by the public prosecutor for allegedly failing to act on an embezzlement tip-off regarding coronavirus vaccine purchases. The opposition is pushing for the chamber of deputies president to open impeachment proceedings against Bolsonaro.

Amid declining popularity, Bolsonaro's disapproval rating surpasses 50% for the first time

Impeachment? Brazilians protest against Jair Bolsonaro for poor handling of COVID-19

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro said on Thursday he would hand over power to whoever wins next year's presidential election cleanly - but not if there is any fraud.

His comments will do little to dispel the concerns of his critics, who fear that the far-right former army captain will not accept any election loss in next year's vote. Bolsonaro is almost certain to face his political nemesis, former leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Polls show Lula ahead.

"I'll hand over the presidential sash to whoever wins the election cleanly," Bolsonaro said in a weekly address via social media. "Not with fraud."

Since his 2018 election victory, Bolsonaro has made baseless allegations of voter fraud in Brazil, which critics say could lay the groundwork to challenge upcoming elections in the same vein as his political idol, former US&nbsp;President Donald Trump.

Bolsonaro backed Trump's claims of a stolen election last year, which culminated in a deadly January&nbsp;6 assault on the Capitol building in Washington by Trump supporters.

In recent months, Bolsonaro has been touting a bill for printed ballots rather than Brazil's modern computer voting. He has said the printed ballots will be easier to audit, and are thus more likely to avoid fraud. Few experts agree, and the bill has yet to gain much traction in Congress.

On Thursday, Bolsonaro said he was "alerting" people about the possibility of problems if the current electronic system remains in place.

"The people won't accept it," he said.

Bolsonaro also said his government was in talks about extending an emergency coronavirus aid package for two or three more months.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro said on Thursday he would hand over power to whoever wins next year's presidential election cleanly - but not if there is any fraud.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro said on Thursday he would hand over power to whoever wins next year's presidential election cleanly - but not if there is any fraud. His comments will do little to dispel the concerns of his critics, who fear that the far-right former army captain will not accept any election loss in next year's vote. Bolsonaro is almost certain to face his political nemesis, former leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Polls show Lula ahead. "I'll hand over the presidential sash to whoever wins the election cleanly," Bolsonaro said in a weekly address via social media. "Not with fraud." Since his 2018 election victory, Bolsonaro has made baseless allegations of voter fraud in Brazil, which critics say could lay the groundwork to challenge upcoming elections in the same vein as his political idol, former US President Donald Trump. Bolsonaro backed Trump's claims of a stolen election last year, which culminated in a deadly January 6 assault on the Capitol building in Washington by Trump supporters. In recent months, Bolsonaro has been touting a bill for printed ballots rather than Brazil's modern computer voting. He has said the printed ballots will be easier to audit, and are thus more likely to avoid fraud. Few experts agree, and the bill has yet to gain much traction in Congress. On Thursday, Bolsonaro said he was "alerting" people about the possibility of problems if the current electronic system remains in place. "The people won't accept it," he said. Bolsonaro also said his government was in talks about extending an emergency coronavirus aid package for two or three more months.

Brazil's Bolsonaro says he won't hand over presidency if there is vote fraud

An opposition senator filed a formal criminal complaint at the Supreme Court on Monday against Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro for his role in a COVID-19 vaccine deal that is under investigation for alleged irregularities. 
 
Bolsonaro has denied any wrongdoing in the deal to buy vaccines developed by India's Bharat Biotech, saying on Monday that he was not aware of any irregularities. A health ministry whistleblower had&nbsp;said he personally alerted the president to being pressured by his superiors to buy the shots. 
 
In a video released by his office, Senator Randolfe Rodrigues said he had filed a request for the Supreme Court to probe the president 'on account of the serious allegations' and because Bolsonaro 'did not take any action after being notified of the existence of a giant corruption scheme in the health ministry'. 
 
The president's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. 
 
The Bharat contract is being probed by federal prosecutors and lawmakers to see why the government struck a speedy agreement with an intermediary for the company after COVID-19 vaccine offers from Pfizer Inc at a lower price were ignored. 
 
Brazilian federal prosecutors have opened an investigation into a contract worth 1.6 billion reais ($320 million) for 20 million doses of Bharat Biotech's vaccine. Prosecutors cited comparatively high prices, quick talks and pending regulatory approvals as red flags for the contract signed in February. 
 
Rodrigues, who represents the opposition Rede Sustentabilidade party, is a senior member of a Senate committee probing the government's handling of the coronavirus pandemic. 
 
More than 500,000 people have died from the virus in Brazil, and Bolsonaro has seen his popularity fade after playing down its severity, shunning lockdowns and touting unproven miracle cures. 
 
It remains to be seen if Rodrigues' request will be accepted by the Supreme Court, but the seriousness of the allegations is likely to pose a headache for the president ahead of next year's election where is almost certain to seek re-election. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

An opposition senator filed a formal criminal complaint at the Supreme Court on Monday against Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro for his role in a COVID-19 vaccine deal that is under investigation for alleged irregularities.

An opposition senator filed a formal criminal complaint at the Supreme Court on Monday against Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro for his role in a COVID-19 vaccine deal that is under investigation for alleged irregularities. Bolsonaro has denied any wrongdoing in the deal to buy vaccines developed by India's Bharat Biotech, saying on Monday that he was not aware of any irregularities. A health ministry whistleblower had said he personally alerted the president to being pressured by his superiors to buy the shots. In a video released by his office, Senator Randolfe Rodrigues said he had filed a request for the Supreme Court to probe the president 'on account of the serious allegations' and because Bolsonaro 'did not take any action after being notified of the existence of a giant corruption scheme in the health ministry'. The president's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The Bharat contract is being probed by federal prosecutors and lawmakers to see why the government struck a speedy agreement with an intermediary for the company after COVID-19 vaccine offers from Pfizer Inc at a lower price were ignored. Brazilian federal prosecutors have opened an investigation into a contract worth 1.6 billion reais ($320 million) for 20 million doses of Bharat Biotech's vaccine. Prosecutors cited comparatively high prices, quick talks and pending regulatory approvals as red flags for the contract signed in February. Rodrigues, who represents the opposition Rede Sustentabilidade party, is a senior member of a Senate committee probing the government's handling of the coronavirus pandemic. More than 500,000 people have died from the virus in Brazil, and Bolsonaro has seen his popularity fade after playing down its severity, shunning lockdowns and touting unproven miracle cures. It remains to be seen if Rodrigues' request will be accepted by the Supreme Court, but the seriousness of the allegations is likely to pose a headache for the president ahead of next year's election where is almost certain to seek re-election. (With inputs from agencies)

Brazil senator files criminal complaint against Bolsonaro over vaccine deal with India's Bharat Biotech

Brazil`s government on Monday unveiled emergency hydroelectric measures in response to a drought that has emptied reservoirs and fanned inflation expectations. 
 
Mines and Energy minister Bento Albuquerque in a speech urged consumers to be conscientious in their power and water use, but did not announce energy rationing. He said the government was working on a voluntary program to incentivise companies to use power outside of peak hours. 
 
The news comes after President Jair Bolsonaro signed a temporary executive order that establishes an emergency body, known as the Chamber of Exceptional Rules for Hydro-energy Management. It is able to temporarily establish limits which "may result in a reduction in the flow of hydroelectric plants." The order also paves the way for the government to buy electricity reserves from private companies. 
 
Brazil - Latin America`s biggest country, with the world`s second highest COVID-19 death toll - is facing its worst drought in over 90 years, sparking fears of energy rationing and driving inflation fears. The lack of rain also poses a headache for the country`s giant agriculture sector. 
 
Albuquerque has previously ruled out rationing, but said consumers should expect to pay more for their electricity, as power producers are forced to switch to more expensive sources. 
 
On Friday, the National Electric Energy Agency (Aneel) recommended measures to control energy use and combat waste, asking consumers to take shorter showers and reduce the use of air conditioning, among other measures.

Brazil`s government on Monday unveiled emergency hydroelectric measures in response to a drought that has emptied reservoirs and fanned inflation expectations. Mines and Energy minister Bento Albuquerque in a speech urged consumers to be conscientious in their power and water use, but did not announce energy rationing.

Brazil`s government on Monday unveiled emergency hydroelectric measures in response to a drought that has emptied reservoirs and fanned inflation expectations. Mines and Energy minister Bento Albuquerque in a speech urged consumers to be conscientious in their power and water use, but did not announce energy rationing. He said the government was working on a voluntary program to incentivise companies to use power outside of peak hours. The news comes after President Jair Bolsonaro signed a temporary executive order that establishes an emergency body, known as the Chamber of Exceptional Rules for Hydro-energy Management. It is able to temporarily establish limits which "may result in a reduction in the flow of hydroelectric plants." The order also paves the way for the government to buy electricity reserves from private companies. Brazil - Latin America`s biggest country, with the world`s second highest COVID-19 death toll - is facing its worst drought in over 90 years, sparking fears of energy rationing and driving inflation fears. The lack of rain also poses a headache for the country`s giant agriculture sector. Albuquerque has previously ruled out rationing, but said consumers should expect to pay more for their electricity, as power producers are forced to switch to more expensive sources. On Friday, the National Electric Energy Agency (Aneel) recommended measures to control energy use and combat waste, asking consumers to take shorter showers and reduce the use of air conditioning, among other measures.

Brazil unveils emergency power measures to beat drought

President Jair&nbsp;Bolsonaro&nbsp;on Thursday said Brazil never paid for or received any doses of a coronavirus vaccine developed by Indian company Bharat Biotech, in response to allegations of irregularities in a deal that is under investigation.

Federal prosecutors and a special Senate committee are investigating the deal for Bharat Biotech's Covaxin shot, citing the fact that the government struck a speedy agreement when offers from Pfizer in 2020 at a lower price were ignored at the time.

"We didn't spend one cent on Covaxin. We didn't receive one dose of Covaxin. What sort of corruption is this?"&nbsp;Bolsonaro&nbsp;said.

The president pledged to take action if any corruption was discovered in his government.&nbsp;Bolsonaro&nbsp;said the price for the Bharat vaccines was broadly in line with other countries.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-delta-variant-is-infecting-vaccinated-people-says-israel-393811">Also Read |&nbsp;COVID-19: Delta variant is infecting vaccinated people, says Israel</a>

He said the government's position has always been to only carry out purchases of vaccines after they are approved for use by federal health authority Anvisa.

Covaxin has yet to receive approval for public use, although it has received permission to conduct a phase 3 clinical trial via a Brazilian partner company.

On Wednesday, Bharat Biotech said in a statement that it had yet to provide vaccine supplies to Brazil and that it has been consistent and transparent in its pricing with all governments.

President Jair Bolsonaro on Thursday said Brazil never paid for or received any doses of a coronavirus vaccine developed by Indian company Bharat Biotech, in response to allegations of irregularities in a deal that is under investigation.

President Jair Bolsonaro on Thursday said Brazil never paid for or received any doses of a coronavirus vaccine developed by Indian company Bharat Biotech, in response to allegations of irregularities in a deal that is under investigation. Federal prosecutors and a special Senate committee are investigating the deal for Bharat Biotech's Covaxin shot, citing the fact that the government struck a speedy agreement when offers from Pfizer in 2020 at a lower price were ignored at the time. "We didn't spend one cent on Covaxin. We didn't receive one dose of Covaxin. What sort of corruption is this?" Bolsonaro said. The president pledged to take action if any corruption was discovered in his government. Bolsonaro said the price for the Bharat vaccines was broadly in line with other countries. Also Read | COVID-19: Delta variant is infecting vaccinated people, says Israel He said the government's position has always been to only carry out purchases of vaccines after they are approved for use by federal health authority Anvisa. Covaxin has yet to receive approval for public use, although it has received permission to conduct a phase 3 clinical trial via a Brazilian partner company. On Wednesday, Bharat Biotech said in a statement that it had yet to provide vaccine supplies to Brazil and that it has been consistent and transparent in its pricing with all governments.

Bolsonaro says Brazil didn't spend a cent on Bharat vaccine deal under probe

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro on Monday told a journalist who questioned his frequent refusal to wear a mask to "shut up" and called Globo Group, the country's largest media conglomerate, "shi**y."&nbsp;

"Shut your mouth! You are creeps! You practice rogue journalism, which doesn't help at all. You destroy the Brazilian family, destroy the Brazilian religion!" Bolsonaro lashed out at the reporter after a military ceremony in Guaratingueta, in the state of Sao Paulo.&nbsp; 
 
The journalist from TV Vanguarda, a station from the Globo network, had just reminded the far-right former army officer that he had been fined in several states for refusing to wear a mask in meetings with his supporters.&nbsp; 
 
When the reporter pointed out that Bolsonaro had arrived at the ceremony without a face covering, Bolsonaro snapped back: "I arrive as I want, when I want. I take care of my own life."&nbsp; 
 
Immediately afterwards, he took off the black mask that he was wearing at the time, and declared: "Now you can put it on the Jornal Nacional (Globo's popular nightly newscast): 'I am not wearing a mask in Guaratingueta. Are you happy now?"&nbsp; 
 
Since coming to power in January 2019, Bolsonaro has repeatedly attacked journalists and the media. On Monday, he continued his harangue by declaring that "Globo is a shitty press. You are a crap press... if you watch Globo, you get misinformation. You should be ashamed of yourself for doing such a lousy job," he said.&nbsp; 
 
The Globo Group was quick to react. "The president will not impede or inhibit the work of the press in Brazil by shouting or with intolerance," it said in a statement.&nbsp; 
 
Bolsonaro also railed against CNN Brazil, accusing it of having "praised" demonstrations that last Sunday brought together tens of thousands of people to criticise the government's policy against the coronavirus pandemic, which has already left more than 500,000 dead in the country.&nbsp; 
 
Bolsonaro has opposed any social distancing or isolation measures since the start of the pandemic, and has questioned the efficacy of vaccines and the usefulness of masks, while promoting drugs that have no proven efficacy in fighting the virus.&nbsp; 
 
"As long as I am president... we are going to fight so that citizens have weapons and are not obliged to wear masks," he said last Thursday in his weekly live programme.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro on Monday told a journalist who questioned his frequent refusal to wear a mask to "shut up" and called Globo Group, the country's largest media conglomerate, "shi**y.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro on Monday told a journalist who questioned his frequent refusal to wear a mask to "shut up" and called Globo Group, the country's largest media conglomerate, "shi**y." "Shut your mouth! You are creeps! You practice rogue journalism, which doesn't help at all. You destroy the Brazilian family, destroy the Brazilian religion!" Bolsonaro lashed out at the reporter after a military ceremony in Guaratingueta, in the state of Sao Paulo. The journalist from TV Vanguarda, a station from the Globo network, had just reminded the far-right former army officer that he had been fined in several states for refusing to wear a mask in meetings with his supporters. When the reporter pointed out that Bolsonaro had arrived at the ceremony without a face covering, Bolsonaro snapped back: "I arrive as I want, when I want. I take care of my own life." Immediately afterwards, he took off the black mask that he was wearing at the time, and declared: "Now you can put it on the Jornal Nacional (Globo's popular nightly newscast): 'I am not wearing a mask in Guaratingueta. Are you happy now?" Since coming to power in January 2019, Bolsonaro has repeatedly attacked journalists and the media. On Monday, he continued his harangue by declaring that "Globo is a shitty press. You are a crap press... if you watch Globo, you get misinformation. You should be ashamed of yourself for doing such a lousy job," he said. The Globo Group was quick to react. "The president will not impede or inhibit the work of the press in Brazil by shouting or with intolerance," it said in a statement. Bolsonaro also railed against CNN Brazil, accusing it of having "praised" demonstrations that last Sunday brought together tens of thousands of people to criticise the government's policy against the coronavirus pandemic, which has already left more than 500,000 dead in the country. Bolsonaro has opposed any social distancing or isolation measures since the start of the pandemic, and has questioned the efficacy of vaccines and the usefulness of masks, while promoting drugs that have no proven efficacy in fighting the virus. "As long as I am president... we are going to fight so that citizens have weapons and are not obliged to wear masks," he said last Thursday in his weekly live programme.

Bolsonaro asks journalist to 'shut up' for urging him to keep mask on

Thousands took to the streets across Brazil on Saturday to protest against President Jair Bolsonaro's pandemic response, blasting the leader for not acquiring vaccines fast enough and for questioning the need for mask-wearing. 
 
Brazil surpassed 500,000 deaths from COVID-19 on Saturday, according to the Health Ministry, the world's highest death toll after the United States. 
 
The government faces fierce criticism for passing up early opportunities to buy vaccines. Pharmaceutical maker Pfizer said it got no response to offers to sell vaccines to the government between August and November last year. 
 
"We are protesting against the genocidal Bolsonaro government that did not buy vaccines and has done nothing to take care of its people in the last year," said 36-year-old Aline Rabelo, while protesting on the national mall in Brasilia. 
 
Bolsonaro's press office did not respond to request for comment. Only 11% of Brazilians are fully vaccinated and 29% have received a first dose, Health Ministry data shows. 
 
Brazilian media reported that protests had been held in all 26 states as well as the capital Brasilia. 
 
Many demonstrators called the 500,000 dead a form of genocide carried out by the government on the Brazilian people. They chanted, beat drums and held up signs demanding Bolsonaro be removed for office. 
 
"Half a million reasons to oust Bolsonaro," read one protestor's sign in downtown Sao Paulo. 
 
While organisers promised the largest demonstrations yet in more than 300 cities, gatherings in Rio de Janeiro and Brasilia on Saturday morning did not appear to be larger than the last major protests on May 29. 
 
Protests in Sao Paulo, Brazil's largest city and financial center, blocked major downtown thoroughfares, where protesters unfurled a banner the size of a city block demanding "Life, Bread, Vaccines and Education." It was unclear how the crowd compared to May 29 protest there. 
 
A special Senate committee is probing the Bolsonaro administration's pandemic response, highlighting delayed efforts to acquire vaccines while prioritizing unproven treatments for COVID-19. 
 
Last month, a poll showed Bolsonaro's popularity has sunk to new lows with only 24% of Brazilians saying his administration is "good" or "great." The same poll showed Bolsonaro's left wing rival, former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, would win in a run-off vote if the 2022 elections were held today.

(With inputs from agencies)

Thousands took to the streets across Brazil on Saturday to protest against President Jair Bolsonaro's pandemic response, blasting the leader for not acquiring vaccines fast enough and for questioning the need for mask-wearing.

Thousands took to the streets across Brazil on Saturday to protest against President Jair Bolsonaro's pandemic response, blasting the leader for not acquiring vaccines fast enough and for questioning the need for mask-wearing. Brazil surpassed 500,000 deaths from COVID-19 on Saturday, according to the Health Ministry, the world's highest death toll after the United States. The government faces fierce criticism for passing up early opportunities to buy vaccines. Pharmaceutical maker Pfizer said it got no response to offers to sell vaccines to the government between August and November last year. "We are protesting against the genocidal Bolsonaro government that did not buy vaccines and has done nothing to take care of its people in the last year," said 36-year-old Aline Rabelo, while protesting on the national mall in Brasilia. Bolsonaro's press office did not respond to request for comment. Only 11% of Brazilians are fully vaccinated and 29% have received a first dose, Health Ministry data shows. Brazilian media reported that protests had been held in all 26 states as well as the capital Brasilia. Many demonstrators called the 500,000 dead a form of genocide carried out by the government on the Brazilian people. They chanted, beat drums and held up signs demanding Bolsonaro be removed for office. "Half a million reasons to oust Bolsonaro," read one protestor's sign in downtown Sao Paulo. While organisers promised the largest demonstrations yet in more than 300 cities, gatherings in Rio de Janeiro and Brasilia on Saturday morning did not appear to be larger than the last major protests on May 29. Protests in Sao Paulo, Brazil's largest city and financial center, blocked major downtown thoroughfares, where protesters unfurled a banner the size of a city block demanding "Life, Bread, Vaccines and Education." It was unclear how the crowd compared to May 29 protest there. A special Senate committee is probing the Bolsonaro administration's pandemic response, highlighting delayed efforts to acquire vaccines while prioritizing unproven treatments for COVID-19. Last month, a poll showed Bolsonaro's popularity has sunk to new lows with only 24% of Brazilians saying his administration is "good" or "great." The same poll showed Bolsonaro's left wing rival, former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, would win in a run-off vote if the 2022 elections were held today. (With inputs from agencies)

Brazilians protest Bolsonaro's role in half a million COVID-19 deaths

Brazillian President Jair Bolsonaro has promised a Yanomani community that he will keep mining out of their reservation in the Amazon. However, he has said that he will seek access to other indigenous lands for commercial agriculture and mining.

Bolsonaro was seen in a video listening to local indigenous leader in Maturaca, an Amazon village in the Yanomami reservation.

In the meeting, which took place on Thursday, the leaders asked Bolsonaro to protect their lands from the threat of mining. A Yanomami warrior presented him with a bunch of long arrows that the president held as he spoke to the community.

"Your wishes will be respected. If you do not want mining, there will be no mining," Bolsonaro said.

But he added that other indigenous people in the Amazon and outside the Amazon wanted to mine their land and grow crops, "and we will respect that right of theirs."

Bolsonaro promised Yanomami people that they wouldn't be forced by law to accept mining on their lands.

"It was very good. He made a speech saying that our territory is not threatened by mining," Jose Mario Goes, head of the Yanomami Association of the River Cauaburi and Tributaries, told Reuters by phone.

Bolsonaro did not discuss the gold rush happening at the eastern end of the Yanomami reservation, in the state of Roraima, where more than 20,000 wildcat miners have invaded protected indigenous lands, bringing in malaria and the risk of COVID-19 infections, as well as incidents of violence.

Bolsonaro visited two indigenous reservations in the Amazon on Thursday for the first time since he became head of state.

But some indigenous leaders had asked him not to visit their lands, complaining that he only met with unrepresentative chiefs in what they said was a photo opportunity for his re-election campaign next year.

Bolsonaro also inaugurated a 20-meter wooden bridge built by the Brazilian army on the Balaio reservation where the Tukano indigenous people live and where major reserves of niobium have been found.

The metal is used to make light-weight steel for jet engines and other special applications. Bolsonaro has regularly mentioned its value in speeches about the untapped riches of the Amazon that he argues Brazil must exploit.

(With inputs from agencies)

Brazillian President Jair Bolsonaro has promised a Yanomani community that he will keep mining out of their reservation in the Amazon. However, he has said that he will seek access to other indigenous lands for commercial agriculture and mining.

Brazillian President Jair Bolsonaro has promised a Yanomani community that he will keep mining out of their reservation in the Amazon. However, he has said that he will seek access to other indigenous lands for commercial agriculture and mining. Bolsonaro was seen in a video listening to local indigenous leader in Maturaca, an Amazon village in the Yanomami reservation. In the meeting, which took place on Thursday, the leaders asked Bolsonaro to protect their lands from the threat of mining. A Yanomami warrior presented him with a bunch of long arrows that the president held as he spoke to the community. "Your wishes will be respected. If you do not want mining, there will be no mining," Bolsonaro said. But he added that other indigenous people in the Amazon and outside the Amazon wanted to mine their land and grow crops, "and we will respect that right of theirs." Bolsonaro promised Yanomami people that they wouldn't be forced by law to accept mining on their lands. "It was very good. He made a speech saying that our territory is not threatened by mining," Jose Mario Goes, head of the Yanomami Association of the River Cauaburi and Tributaries, told Reuters by phone. Bolsonaro did not discuss the gold rush happening at the eastern end of the Yanomami reservation, in the state of Roraima, where more than 20,000 wildcat miners have invaded protected indigenous lands, bringing in malaria and the risk of COVID-19 infections, as well as incidents of violence. Bolsonaro visited two indigenous reservations in the Amazon on Thursday for the first time since he became head of state. But some indigenous leaders had asked him not to visit their lands, complaining that he only met with unrepresentative chiefs in what they said was a photo opportunity for his re-election campaign next year. Bolsonaro also inaugurated a 20-meter wooden bridge built by the Brazilian army on the Balaio reservation where the Tukano indigenous people live and where major reserves of niobium have been found. The metal is used to make light-weight steel for jet engines and other special applications. Bolsonaro has regularly mentioned its value in speeches about the untapped riches of the Amazon that he argues Brazil must exploit. (With inputs from agencies)

Brazil President Bolsonaro to keep mining out of indigenous lands in Amazon

Brazilians staged protests against President Jair Bolsonaro`s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic in at least 16 cities across the country on Saturday, carrying signs such as "Out with Bolsonaro" and "Impeachment now." 
 
Bolsonaro`s popularity has plummeted during the coronavirus crisis, which has killed more than 460,000 Brazilians as the far-right leader played down its severity, dismissed mask wearing and cast doubt on the importance of vaccines. 
 
Organized by leftist political parties, unions and student associations, Saturday`s protests in the capital Brasilia and in Rio de Janeiro were peaceful, but in the northeastern city of Recife, police threw tear gas and shot rubber bullets. 
 
In Sao Paulo, Brazil`s largest city, thousands of mask-wearing people blocked one the largest city`s avenues. One large balloon depicted Bolsonaro as a vampire. 
 
Some protests, like the one in Rio, included images of former leftist president Luis Inacio Lula da Silva wearing the presidential sash. 
 
Earlier in May, Lula met centrist Fernando Henrique Cardoso, also a two-term former president, for lunch in a public show of their common purpose to block Bolsonaro from gaining a second term in next year`s presidential election.

Brazilians staged protests against President Jair Bolsonaro`s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic in at least 16 cities across the country on Saturday, carrying signs such as "Out with Bolsonaro" and "Impeachment now.

Brazilians staged protests against President Jair Bolsonaro`s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic in at least 16 cities across the country on Saturday, carrying signs such as "Out with Bolsonaro" and "Impeachment now." Bolsonaro`s popularity has plummeted during the coronavirus crisis, which has killed more than 460,000 Brazilians as the far-right leader played down its severity, dismissed mask wearing and cast doubt on the importance of vaccines. Organized by leftist political parties, unions and student associations, Saturday`s protests in the capital Brasilia and in Rio de Janeiro were peaceful, but in the northeastern city of Recife, police threw tear gas and shot rubber bullets. In Sao Paulo, Brazil`s largest city, thousands of mask-wearing people blocked one the largest city`s avenues. One large balloon depicted Bolsonaro as a vampire. Some protests, like the one in Rio, included images of former leftist president Luis Inacio Lula da Silva wearing the presidential sash. Earlier in May, Lula met centrist Fernando Henrique Cardoso, also a two-term former president, for lunch in a public show of their common purpose to block Bolsonaro from gaining a second term in next year`s presidential election.

Brazilians stage nationwide protests against President Bolsonaro's Covid response

Brazil`s President Jair Bolsonaro visited two indigenous reservations in the Amazon on Thursday for the first time as head of state, despite protests from some tribal leaders against his drive to open up their protected lands to commercial mining. 
 
Bolsonaro, flanked by army officers and wearing a feather head-dress, watched members of the local Tukano community perform a ritual dance at the Balaio reservation, where he inaugurated a bridge. 
 
Regional indigenous leaders from the upper reaches of the Rio Negro river said they were not invited to see Bolsonaro and that he only met with unrepresentative chiefs in a photo opportunity for his re-election campaign next year. 
 
"Our institution is three decades old but we were not included in the president`s agenda or any dialogue on public polices for the region," the Federation of Rio Negro Indigenous Organizations said in a statement. "He met with self-proclaimed leaders to produce fake news." 
 
The president`s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. 
 
The wooden bridge that Bolsonaro inaugurated was built by the Brazilian army on a road that runs to the border with Venezuela, passing through the Balaio reservation, where major reserves of niobium have been found. 
 
The metal is used to make light-weight steel for jet engines and other special applications. Bolsonaro has regularly mentioned its value in speeches about the untapped riches of the Amazon that Brazil must exploit. 
 
The Balaio reservation is above the Rio Negro at the north-western tip of Brazil bordering Colombia and Venezuela. 
 
Bolsonaro later visited and stayed overnight at a military frontier post in Maturacá, which is located at the western end of the Yanomami reservation, the largest in Brazil. 
 
The reservation`s eastern section in the state of Roraima has been invaded by more than 20,000 illegal gold miners, who have been emboldened by Bolsonaro`s support for the legalization of wildcat mining in Brazil. 
 
Yanomami leaders deplored the far-right president`s visit to their reservation and repeated their calls for authorities to expel the miners. 
 
"The government must urgently remove the invaders from our territories to safeguard our health and that of Mother Earth," they said in a letter to Bolsonaro. 
 
"We do not accept the legalization of mining activities on our lands, because it will not bring the Yanomami any benefit," the letter signed by leaders from Maturacá said. 
 
Bolsonaro`s visit came the day after gold miners illegally prospecting on indigenous lands along the Tapajos river in the Amazon shot at a Munduruku village and burned down the house of one of its leaders. 
 
The lower house of Brazil`s Congress, where Bolsonaro supporters have a majority, is currently considering legislation proposed by the government that would open the door to commercial mining and agriculture on indigenous reservations. 
&nbsp;

Brazil`s President Jair Bolsonaro visited two indigenous reservations in the Amazon on Thursday for the first time as head of state, despite protests from some tribal leaders against his drive to open up their protected lands to commercial mining.

Brazil`s President Jair Bolsonaro visited two indigenous reservations in the Amazon on Thursday for the first time as head of state, despite protests from some tribal leaders against his drive to open up their protected lands to commercial mining. Bolsonaro, flanked by army officers and wearing a feather head-dress, watched members of the local Tukano community perform a ritual dance at the Balaio reservation, where he inaugurated a bridge. Regional indigenous leaders from the upper reaches of the Rio Negro river said they were not invited to see Bolsonaro and that he only met with unrepresentative chiefs in a photo opportunity for his re-election campaign next year. "Our institution is three decades old but we were not included in the president`s agenda or any dialogue on public polices for the region," the Federation of Rio Negro Indigenous Organizations said in a statement. "He met with self-proclaimed leaders to produce fake news." The president`s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The wooden bridge that Bolsonaro inaugurated was built by the Brazilian army on a road that runs to the border with Venezuela, passing through the Balaio reservation, where major reserves of niobium have been found. The metal is used to make light-weight steel for jet engines and other special applications. Bolsonaro has regularly mentioned its value in speeches about the untapped riches of the Amazon that Brazil must exploit. The Balaio reservation is above the Rio Negro at the north-western tip of Brazil bordering Colombia and Venezuela. Bolsonaro later visited and stayed overnight at a military frontier post in Maturacá, which is located at the western end of the Yanomami reservation, the largest in Brazil. The reservation`s eastern section in the state of Roraima has been invaded by more than 20,000 illegal gold miners, who have been emboldened by Bolsonaro`s support for the legalization of wildcat mining in Brazil. Yanomami leaders deplored the far-right president`s visit to their reservation and repeated their calls for authorities to expel the miners. "The government must urgently remove the invaders from our territories to safeguard our health and that of Mother Earth," they said in a letter to Bolsonaro. "We do not accept the legalization of mining activities on our lands, because it will not bring the Yanomami any benefit," the letter signed by leaders from Maturacá said. Bolsonaro`s visit came the day after gold miners illegally prospecting on indigenous lands along the Tapajos river in the Amazon shot at a Munduruku village and burned down the house of one of its leaders. The lower house of Brazil`s Congress, where Bolsonaro supporters have a majority, is currently considering legislation proposed by the government that would open the door to commercial mining and agriculture on indigenous reservations.

Bolsonaro visits indigenous lands in Amazon despite protests

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has made headlines throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. On multiple occasions, he downplayed the gravity of pandemic, even referring to it as a flu.

Now, it turns out that the outspoken president was not truly in favour of mass inoculations in the country, and had originally backed on reaching herd immunity to fight the virus.

Senator Renan Calheiros, who is heading the country’s enquiry into the handling of COVID-19 crisis revealed details of the probe on Friday. Calheiros added that it still remains unclear whether the president committed any criminal offences while handling the COVID-19 pandemic, and added that further investigation is required.

"I think everything points in that direction," Calheiros said, while referring to Bolsonaro’s wish for Brazil to fight the virus by developing herd immunity.

The senator also alleged that Bolsonaro denied the virus. "The president first denied the disease, called it a flu, and then argued against social isolation and lockdown. Then he played down the use of masks and encouraged crowds to gather," Calheiros added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/bolsonaros-approval-falls-to-24-lowest-ever-poll-384826" hreflang="en">Bolsonaro's approval falls to 24%, lowest ever: Poll</a>

"Why is that? Because of herd immunity, the natural immunity ... you have to encourage crowds and the spread of the virus," Calheiros was cited by Reuters as saying. "This is why he never wanted a vaccine," Calheiros further said of Bolsonaro. He also noted how Bolsonaro was slow to use the funds provided by Congress with the aim to procure vaccines from abroad.

When a large part of a given territory’s population achieves immunity against COVID-19, it’s called herd immunity. Most of the times this occurs through widespread infection, which in turn limits the scope of person-to-person infection.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/military-knows-all-about-biological-warfare-bolsonaros-swipe-at-china-over-covid-19-383113" hreflang="en">'Military knows all about biological warfare': Bolsonaro's swipe at China over COVID-19</a>

Calheiros has remained a staunch critic of Bolsonaro. His report on the government will focus on the delays in procuring vaccines, and will also assess the negotiations that took place with vaccine makers around the world. In addition, it will also look at how failures in the Amazon&nbsp;resulted in a new variant.

So far, Brazil has registered over 16 million Covid cases. More than 450,000 people have succumbed to the virus in the country.

(With inputs from agencies)

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has made headlines throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. On multiple occasions, he downplayed the gravity of pandemic, even referring to it as a flu.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has made headlines throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. On multiple occasions, he downplayed the gravity of pandemic, even referring to it as a flu. Now, it turns out that the outspoken president was not truly in favour of mass inoculations in the country, and had originally backed on reaching herd immunity to fight the virus. Senator Renan Calheiros, who is heading the country’s enquiry into the handling of COVID-19 crisis revealed details of the probe on Friday. Calheiros added that it still remains unclear whether the president committed any criminal offences while handling the COVID-19 pandemic, and added that further investigation is required. "I think everything points in that direction," Calheiros said, while referring to Bolsonaro’s wish for Brazil to fight the virus by developing herd immunity. The senator also alleged that Bolsonaro denied the virus. "The president first denied the disease, called it a flu, and then argued against social isolation and lockdown. Then he played down the use of masks and encouraged crowds to gather," Calheiros added. Also read: Bolsonaro's approval falls to 24%, lowest ever: Poll "Why is that? Because of herd immunity, the natural immunity ... you have to encourage crowds and the spread of the virus," Calheiros was cited by Reuters as saying. "This is why he never wanted a vaccine," Calheiros further said of Bolsonaro. He also noted how Bolsonaro was slow to use the funds provided by Congress with the aim to procure vaccines from abroad. When a large part of a given territory’s population achieves immunity against COVID-19, it’s called herd immunity. Most of the times this occurs through widespread infection, which in turn limits the scope of person-to-person infection. Also read: 'Military knows all about biological warfare': Bolsonaro's swipe at China over COVID-19 Calheiros has remained a staunch critic of Bolsonaro. His report on the government will focus on the delays in procuring vaccines, and will also assess the negotiations that took place with vaccine makers around the world. In addition, it will also look at how failures in the Amazon resulted in a new variant. So far, Brazil has registered over 16 million Covid cases. More than 450,000 people have succumbed to the virus in the country. (With inputs from agencies)

Bolsonaro preferred COVID-19 herd immunity over vaccines, says Brazilian senator probing country's response

Only about 24 per cent&nbsp;of Brazilians think the administration of far-right President Jair Bolsonaro has been "good" or "great," his lowest popularity rating since taking office in 2019 and down from 30 per cent&nbsp;in March.

Bolsonaro has been widely criticized for his handling of the coronavirus pandemic, including for opposing lockdown measures, downplaying the severity of the disease and not prioritizing the purchase of vaccines.

Brazil has the world's second largest death toll from COVID-19 that has killed more than 428,000 people as infections surged in recent months.

Approval of Bolsonaro's government slid from a high of 37&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;in December and its negative numbers have risen progressively since then. Now, 45% of Brazilians consider his administration "bad" or "terrible" compared to 32&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;at the end of last year, while 54&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;of those polled by Datafolha say they would never vote for Bolsonaro.

Results published on Wednesday showed that Brazil's former leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva would handily defeat Bolsonaro by 55&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;to 32&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;in a run-off vote if the 2022 elections were held today.

Lula, who recovered his political rights after corruption convictions against him were annulled this year, is expected to challenge Bolsonaro's re-election next year, although he has not declared he is running.

Datafolha polled 2,071 Brazilians in person Tuesday and Wednesday. The survey has a margin of error of 2 percentage points.

Only about 24 per cent of Brazilians think the administration of far-right President Jair Bolsonaro has been "good" or "great," his lowest popularity rating since taking office in 2019 and down from 30 per cent in March.

Only about 24 per cent of Brazilians think the administration of far-right President Jair Bolsonaro has been "good" or "great," his lowest popularity rating since taking office in 2019 and down from 30 per cent in March. Bolsonaro has been widely criticized for his handling of the coronavirus pandemic, including for opposing lockdown measures, downplaying the severity of the disease and not prioritizing the purchase of vaccines. Brazil has the world's second largest death toll from COVID-19 that has killed more than 428,000 people as infections surged in recent months. Approval of Bolsonaro's government slid from a high of 37 per cent in December and its negative numbers have risen progressively since then. Now, 45% of Brazilians consider his administration "bad" or "terrible" compared to 32 per cent at the end of last year, while 54 per cent of those polled by Datafolha say they would never vote for Bolsonaro. Results published on Wednesday showed that Brazil's former leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva would handily defeat Bolsonaro by 55 per cent to 32 per cent in a run-off vote if the 2022 elections were held today. Lula, who recovered his political rights after corruption convictions against him were annulled this year, is expected to challenge Bolsonaro's re-election next year, although he has not declared he is running. Datafolha polled 2,071 Brazilians in person Tuesday and Wednesday. The survey has a margin of error of 2 percentage points.

Bolsonaro's approval falls to 24%, lowest ever: Poll

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro has linked the pandemic to 'biological warfare'. Is there any basis to his claim?

Gravitas: Brazil's President calls Covid-19 'biological warfare'

Brazilian President Jair&nbsp;Bolsonaro&nbsp;said on Friday that if he were to order the military to take the streets and restore order, "the order will be followed," raising fresh questions about his politicization of the armed forces.

Speaking during a TV interview,&nbsp;Bolsonaro&nbsp;said he would not "go into details into what I'm preparing." But he said that "if we were to have problems, we have a plan of how to enter the field ... our armed forces could one day go into the streets."

The comments by&nbsp;Bolsonaro, a far-right former army captain who has long praised Brazil's two-decade military dictatorship, will do little to assuage critics who fret about his politicization of the military. Others worry about his commitment to a peaceful handover of power in the event of a tight result in next year's presidential election.

Pressure has grown on the president as Brazil's coronavirus pandemic has spiraled out of control. He has faced widespread criticism for his handling of the outbreak in Brazil, which has the world's second highest coronavirus death toll after the United States.

Last month,&nbsp;Bolsonaro&nbsp;put his former chief of staff in charge of the Defense Ministry and swapped all three commanders of the armed forces as part of a cabinet reshuffle that was met with shock from senior military officers.

Since his 2018 election victory,&nbsp;Bolsonaro&nbsp;has made baseless allegations of voter fraud in Brazil, which critics say could lay the groundwork to challenge upcoming elections in the same vein as his political idol, former U.S. President Donald Trump.

Bolsonaro&nbsp;threw his support behind Trump's conspiracies of a stolen election last year, which culminated in his supporters' deadly Jan. 6 assault on the Capitol building in Washington.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro said on Friday that if he were to order the military to take the streets and restore order, "the order will be followed," raising fresh questions about his politicization of the armed forces.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro said on Friday that if he were to order the military to take the streets and restore order, "the order will be followed," raising fresh questions about his politicization of the armed forces. Speaking during a TV interview, Bolsonaro said he would not "go into details into what I'm preparing." But he said that "if we were to have problems, we have a plan of how to enter the field ... our armed forces could one day go into the streets." The comments by Bolsonaro, a far-right former army captain who has long praised Brazil's two-decade military dictatorship, will do little to assuage critics who fret about his politicization of the military. Others worry about his commitment to a peaceful handover of power in the event of a tight result in next year's presidential election. Pressure has grown on the president as Brazil's coronavirus pandemic has spiraled out of control. He has faced widespread criticism for his handling of the outbreak in Brazil, which has the world's second highest coronavirus death toll after the United States. Last month, Bolsonaro put his former chief of staff in charge of the Defense Ministry and swapped all three commanders of the armed forces as part of a cabinet reshuffle that was met with shock from senior military officers. Since his 2018 election victory, Bolsonaro has made baseless allegations of voter fraud in Brazil, which critics say could lay the groundwork to challenge upcoming elections in the same vein as his political idol, former U.S. President Donald Trump. Bolsonaro threw his support behind Trump's conspiracies of a stolen election last year, which culminated in his supporters' deadly Jan. 6 assault on the Capitol building in Washington.

Brazil's Bolsonaro says military would follow his orders to take the streets

Brazil's Supreme Court on Wednesday allowed a Senate investigation of President Jair Bolsonaro's handling of the pandemic to go forward, one of two cases it tackled that could affect the leader's bid for reelection next year.

The full court also was weighing the political future of former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, a potential powerful rival to Bolsonaro.

One of the judges earlier ruled he had been unjustly convicted in a corruption case, a decision that effectively reinstated his right to run for the presidency again.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/covid-19-brazil-now-has-more-young-than-old-patients-in-icus-377443/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The court voted 10-1 Wednesday to uphold Justice Luis Roberto Barroso's order that the Senate should start an investigation of into Bolsonaro's management of the crisis because a required number of senators had sponsored such a call.

The Senate president had tried to delay the probe, citing pandemic health restrictions.

Critics, including those calling for or leading the investigation, say Bolsonaro has bungled Brazil's response to the pandemic by resisting health-driven restrictions on activity, failing to marshal resources for vaccines, and stimulating the use of drugs that don't work against the virus.

Bolsonaro and his allies say he's being unfairly blamed for Brazil's surge in COVID-19 deaths, a toll that trails only that of the United States. Brazil's seven-day average death toll hit a new record on Monday.

The Senate probe is an attempted ''political coup against the president," said Sen. Marcio Bittar, a Bolsonaro ally in a Twitter post on Wednesday.

He's also cried foul as the Supreme Court has issued rulings that go against him, prompting outrage from his conservative base that claims the court is overstepping constitutional bounds.

Carlos Melo, a political science professor at Insper University in Sao Paulo, said the investigation poses risks for Bolsonaro.

''The desperation with the pandemic tends to increase as deaths continue to grow. Economic issues are also far from being solved. And at the same time his administration is fighting with its base in congress over next year's budget,''&nbsp;Melo said.

''The surroundings of the inquiry don't favor Bolsonaro."

The top court last year knocked down Bolsonaro's attempt to overturn local restrictions meant to slow the advance of COVID-19, ruling that governors and mayors are free to determine their own COVID-19 protocols.

On Tuesday, a justice also suspended parts of four Bolsonaro decrees aimed at loosening gun controls.

The Brazilian leader, who has long downplayed the risks of the disease and still denounces lockdowns, has argued lawmakers should also investigate the actions of governors and mayors to whom the federal government provided funds.

He and his allies scored a partial win at the Senate on Tuesday when the use of such funds was made part of the investigation.

Bolsonaro on Wednesday complained that Justice Barroso's April 8 ruling that the Senate probe should go forward had created ''an atmosphere of animosity.''

''That justice is interfering with the Senate in order to go after me," he said.

More than the required 27 senators had signed a request for the investigation, but the president of the Senate, Rodrigo Pacheco, had refrained from greenlighting the probe, citing health concerns amid the pandemic.

The court on Wednesday also began assessing the decision by Justice Luiz Edson Fachin on March 8 to annul da Silva's two corruption convictions, which were related to the massive ''Car Wash''&nbsp;scandal focused on the state oil company.

Early polling for the 2022 election shows the 75-year-old leftist, who governed Brazil between 2003 and 2010, neck-and-neck with Bolsonaro.

Da Silva was leading polls in 2018 when he was knocked out of the race by a conviction involving a beachfront apartment that prosecutors alleged&nbsp;and he denied&nbsp;belonged to him.

Bolsonaro won the election and the judge who oversaw da Silva's conviction, Sergio Moro, became his justice minister. One of the top court's two panels of justices already ruled Moro was biased against da Silva.

The question now before the full court was whether Moro's court even had jurisdiction to hear the case, and the justices may also evaluate the panel's finding regarding bias.

''The Supreme Court has the opportunity to make history today, maintaining the annulment of the sentences and the bias of Moro against him,''&nbsp;said Gleisi Hoffmann, chairwoman of da Silva's Workers' Party, on Twitter.

Brazil's Supreme Court on Wednesday allowed a Senate investigation of President Jair Bolsonaro's handling of the pandemic to go forward, one of two cases it tackled that could affect the leader's bid for reelection next year.

Brazil's Supreme Court on Wednesday allowed a Senate investigation of President Jair Bolsonaro's handling of the pandemic to go forward, one of two cases it tackled that could affect the leader's bid for reelection next year. The full court also was weighing the political future of former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, a potential powerful rival to Bolsonaro. One of the judges earlier ruled he had been unjustly convicted in a corruption case, a decision that effectively reinstated his right to run for the presidency again. The court voted 10-1 Wednesday to uphold Justice Luis Roberto Barroso's order that the Senate should start an investigation of into Bolsonaro's management of the crisis because a required number of senators had sponsored such a call. The Senate president had tried to delay the probe, citing pandemic health restrictions. Critics, including those calling for or leading the investigation, say Bolsonaro has bungled Brazil's response to the pandemic by resisting health-driven restrictions on activity, failing to marshal resources for vaccines, and stimulating the use of drugs that don't work against the virus. Bolsonaro and his allies say he's being unfairly blamed for Brazil's surge in COVID-19 deaths, a toll that trails only that of the United States. Brazil's seven-day average death toll hit a new record on Monday. The Senate probe is an attempted ''political coup against the president," said Sen. Marcio Bittar, a Bolsonaro ally in a Twitter post on Wednesday. He's also cried foul as the Supreme Court has issued rulings that go against him, prompting outrage from his conservative base that claims the court is overstepping constitutional bounds. Carlos Melo, a political science professor at Insper University in Sao Paulo, said the investigation poses risks for Bolsonaro. ''The desperation with the pandemic tends to increase as deaths continue to grow. Economic issues are also far from being solved. And at the same time his administration is fighting with its base in congress over next year's budget,'' Melo said. ''The surroundings of the inquiry don't favor Bolsonaro." The top court last year knocked down Bolsonaro's attempt to overturn local restrictions meant to slow the advance of COVID-19, ruling that governors and mayors are free to determine their own COVID-19 protocols. On Tuesday, a justice also suspended parts of four Bolsonaro decrees aimed at loosening gun controls. The Brazilian leader, who has long downplayed the risks of the disease and still denounces lockdowns, has argued lawmakers should also investigate the actions of governors and mayors to whom the federal government provided funds. He and his allies scored a partial win at the Senate on Tuesday when the use of such funds was made part of the investigation. Bolsonaro on Wednesday complained that Justice Barroso's April 8 ruling that the Senate probe should go forward had created ''an atmosphere of animosity.'' ''That justice is interfering with the Senate in order to go after me," he said. More than the required 27 senators had signed a request for the investigation, but the president of the Senate, Rodrigo Pacheco, had refrained from greenlighting the probe, citing health concerns amid the pandemic. The court on Wednesday also began assessing the decision by Justice Luiz Edson Fachin on March 8 to annul da Silva's two corruption convictions, which were related to the massive ''Car Wash'' scandal focused on the state oil company. Early polling for the 2022 election shows the 75-year-old leftist, who governed Brazil between 2003 and 2010, neck-and-neck with Bolsonaro. Da Silva was leading polls in 2018 when he was knocked out of the race by a conviction involving a beachfront apartment that prosecutors alleged and he denied belonged to him. Bolsonaro won the election and the judge who oversaw da Silva's conviction, Sergio Moro, became his justice minister. One of the top court's two panels of justices already ruled Moro was biased against da Silva. The question now before the full court was whether Moro's court even had jurisdiction to hear the case, and the justices may also evaluate the panel's finding regarding bias. ''The Supreme Court has the opportunity to make history today, maintaining the annulment of the sentences and the bias of Moro against him,'' said Gleisi Hoffmann, chairwoman of da Silva's Workers' Party, on Twitter.

Brazil's Supreme Court approves probe of Bolsonaro's virus response

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