Brazil’s Senate on Tuesday began a probe into President Jair Bolsonaro’s response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in the country.

On Tuesday, Senate leader Rodrigo Pacheco claimed that a congressional enquiry into Bolsonaro administration’s response to the pandemic would also probe how resources were distributed among states.

Brazil is witnessing a deadly wave of COVID-19 infections and with it Bolsonaro’s disapproval ratings have reached record levels.&nbsp;

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The investigation is known as CPI in Portuguese can trigger a number of actions including forwarding a potential wrongdoing in law enforcement. Many pro-Bolsonaro lawmakers have urged for an enquiry into each state’s response to the pandemic, which the Senate leader has said could trespass the jurisdiction of state assemblies.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/brazil-top-court-orders-probe-of-bolsonaros-pandemic-steps-376254" hreflang="en">Brazil top court orders probe of Bolsonaro's pandemic steps</a>

Brazil is currently fighting rising infections, most of which have been attributed to the so-called P1 variant, believed to be more infectious by medical professionals.

On Tuesday, the country witnessed 3,808 deaths according to country’s Health Ministry. The total death toll in the country now stands at 358,000, the second-highest in the world after the United States.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/covid-in-brazil-out-of-control-says-the-journalist-who-sued-bolsonaro-for-derogatory-remarks-374703" hreflang="en">Covid in Brazil 'out of control', says the journalist who sued Bolsonaro for derogatory remarks</a>

The country’s current wave is affecting youngsters more, with over 50 per cent intensive care beds under the occupancy of patients under 40 years old, as revealed in a study published by the Brazilian Association of Intensive Medicine.

Bolsonaro has faced criticism for his pandemic response. In the early phases of the pandemic, he had referred to COVID-19 as a “little flu”.&nbsp;

In addition, he has ignored suggestions by health experts to wear masks while opposing implementing lockdown measures.

(With inputs from agencies)

Brazil’s Senate on Tuesday began a probe into President Jair Bolsonaro’s response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in the country. On Tuesday, Senate leader Rodrigo Pacheco claimed that a congressional enquiry into Bolsonaro administration’s response to the pandemic would also probe how resources were distributed among states.

Brazil’s Senate on Tuesday began a probe into President Jair Bolsonaro’s response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in the country. On Tuesday, Senate leader Rodrigo Pacheco claimed that a congressional enquiry into Bolsonaro administration’s response to the pandemic would also probe how resources were distributed among states. Brazil is witnessing a deadly wave of COVID-19 infections and with it Bolsonaro’s disapproval ratings have reached record levels. The investigation is known as CPI in Portuguese can trigger a number of actions including forwarding a potential wrongdoing in law enforcement. Many pro-Bolsonaro lawmakers have urged for an enquiry into each state’s response to the pandemic, which the Senate leader has said could trespass the jurisdiction of state assemblies. Also read: Brazil top court orders probe of Bolsonaro's pandemic steps Brazil is currently fighting rising infections, most of which have been attributed to the so-called P1 variant, believed to be more infectious by medical professionals. On Tuesday, the country witnessed 3,808 deaths according to country’s Health Ministry. The total death toll in the country now stands at 358,000, the second-highest in the world after the United States. Also read: Covid in Brazil 'out of control', says the journalist who sued Bolsonaro for derogatory remarks The country’s current wave is affecting youngsters more, with over 50 per cent intensive care beds under the occupancy of patients under 40 years old, as revealed in a study published by the Brazilian Association of Intensive Medicine. Bolsonaro has faced criticism for his pandemic response. In the early phases of the pandemic, he had referred to COVID-19 as a “little flu”. In addition, he has ignored suggestions by health experts to wear masks while opposing implementing lockdown measures. (With inputs from agencies)

Brazil's Senate begins probe into government's pandemic response amid record dip in Bolsonaro's approval ratings

The Supreme Court of Brazil has ordered the Senate on Thursday to investigate the government's handling of the deadly covid-19 pandemic and the full court ruled that churches can be barred from reopening during the pandemic, threatening to further strain tensions between President Jair Bolsonaro and the judiciary.

According to the reports, the Senate about to open an investigation into the response of the government of President Jair Bolsonaro, who has played down the pandemic from the start.

Brazil is nearing the single-day record that the United States registered on January&nbsp;20 of 4,405 deaths, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Brazil’s outbreak is spiralling out of control, with vaccines in short supply and Bolsonaro fighting lockdowns.

The public healthcare system has shown growing signs of buckling under the caseload, and a survey by the National Association of Private Hospitals (ANAHP) this week suggests even the richest hospitals are running short on critical medicine.

Three out of four private hospitals said they have a week or less of supplies for treating COVID-19, including oxygen, anaesthesia and essential drugs for intubation, according to the ANAHP survey of 88 member hospitals across Brazil.

Bolsonaro’s government has minimized the risk of hospitals running out of medicine, as the right-wing leader tries to allay fears of the virus, while railing against state and local efforts to restrict movement.

“Let’s not cry over spilt milk. We’re still going through a pandemic that, in part, is being used politically - not to defeat the virus but to bring down the president,” Bolsonaro said in a public address on Wednesday. “In what country on earth do people not die? Unfortunately, people die everywhere.”

Brazil’s Senate plans to set up a special committee next week to investigate the government’s response to the pandemic, Senate President Rodrigo Pacheco said.

A Supreme Court judge ruled on Thursday that the Senate must proceed with installing the committee, which Pacheco had sought to delay despite already having been approved by a sufficient number of senators.

While stating he would comply with the court order, Pacheco said it was too early to investigate while Brazil was still dealing with the crisis and that the committee would put members’ health at risk as its meetings are held in person.

More than 345,000 people have died of COVID-19 in Brazil, making it the second-deadliest outbreak after the United States, whose population is about 50% greater at about 330 million.

Brazil’s Supreme Court also ruled on Thursday that state and municipal bans on religious gatherings were legal, in a blow to Bolsonaro, who has called them an attack on religious freedom.

As Brazil suffers the worst of the pandemic, the country has become a testing ground for new vaccines.

Health regulator Anvisa on Thursday approved the fifth late-stage trial for a coronavirus vaccine, greenlighting a study by Canada’s Medicago R&amp;D Inc and GlaxoSmithKline PLC.

Anvisa said the companies were authorized to conduct phase 3 trials in Brazil. The companies are recruiting around 3,500 Brazilian volunteers for the study, which will include some 30,000 people, in the U.S., Canada, Europe and Latin America.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Supreme Court of Brazil has ordered the Senate on Thursday to investigate the government's handling of the deadly covid-19 pandemic and the full court ruled that churches can be barred from reopening during the pandemic, threatening to further strain tensions between President Jair Bolsonaro and the judiciary.

The Supreme Court of Brazil has ordered the Senate on Thursday to investigate the government's handling of the deadly covid-19 pandemic and the full court ruled that churches can be barred from reopening during the pandemic, threatening to further strain tensions between President Jair Bolsonaro and the judiciary. According to the reports, the Senate about to open an investigation into the response of the government of President Jair Bolsonaro, who has played down the pandemic from the start. Brazil is nearing the single-day record that the United States registered on January 20 of 4,405 deaths, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Brazil’s outbreak is spiralling out of control, with vaccines in short supply and Bolsonaro fighting lockdowns. The public healthcare system has shown growing signs of buckling under the caseload, and a survey by the National Association of Private Hospitals (ANAHP) this week suggests even the richest hospitals are running short on critical medicine. Three out of four private hospitals said they have a week or less of supplies for treating COVID-19, including oxygen, anaesthesia and essential drugs for intubation, according to the ANAHP survey of 88 member hospitals across Brazil. Bolsonaro’s government has minimized the risk of hospitals running out of medicine, as the right-wing leader tries to allay fears of the virus, while railing against state and local efforts to restrict movement. “Let’s not cry over spilt milk. We’re still going through a pandemic that, in part, is being used politically - not to defeat the virus but to bring down the president,” Bolsonaro said in a public address on Wednesday. “In what country on earth do people not die? Unfortunately, people die everywhere.” Brazil’s Senate plans to set up a special committee next week to investigate the government’s response to the pandemic, Senate President Rodrigo Pacheco said. A Supreme Court judge ruled on Thursday that the Senate must proceed with installing the committee, which Pacheco had sought to delay despite already having been approved by a sufficient number of senators. While stating he would comply with the court order, Pacheco said it was too early to investigate while Brazil was still dealing with the crisis and that the committee would put members’ health at risk as its meetings are held in person. More than 345,000 people have died of COVID-19 in Brazil, making it the second-deadliest outbreak after the United States, whose population is about 50% greater at about 330 million. Brazil’s Supreme Court also ruled on Thursday that state and municipal bans on religious gatherings were legal, in a blow to Bolsonaro, who has called them an attack on religious freedom. As Brazil suffers the worst of the pandemic, the country has become a testing ground for new vaccines. Health regulator Anvisa on Thursday approved the fifth late-stage trial for a coronavirus vaccine, greenlighting a study by Canada’s Medicago R&D Inc and GlaxoSmithKline PLC. Anvisa said the companies were authorized to conduct phase 3 trials in Brazil. The companies are recruiting around 3,500 Brazilian volunteers for the study, which will include some 30,000 people, in the U.S., Canada, Europe and Latin America. (With inputs from agencies)

Brazil top court orders probe of Bolsonaro's pandemic steps

Brazil is now widely viewed as the epicentre of the pandemic, with the highest number of daily deaths of any nation.&nbsp;

“We have people dying because of lack of oxygen, people are literally suffocating. The situation is completely out of control,” said journalist Patricia Campos Mello.

Campos Mello comments came after Brazil registered on Tuesday a daily record tally of Covid deaths, recording more than 3,700 deaths, according to data from Brazil’s health ministry.

Patricia Campos Mello, a reporter for Folha de Sao Paulo, had sued President Jair Bolsonaro after he made remarks that questioned her credibility.

The Covid-19 death toll spiralled out of control in Brazil in March, more than doubling the country's previous monthly record.

Brazil reported 66,573 people had died of Covid-19 in March -- more than twice as many fatalities as the country's second-deadliest month of the pandemic, July 2020.

The virus has killed more than 2.8 million people since it emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan in late 2019. And though the world is looking to vaccines to end the upheaval Covid-19 has brought, rollouts are off to a sputtering start in many countries.

That includes Brazil, where health experts say the explosion of cases is partly driven by a local variant of the virus known as P1, which can re-infect people who have had the original strain and is believed to be more contagious.

"Never in Brazilian history have we seen a single event kill so many people" in one month, said Doctor Miguel Nicolelis, former pandemic response coordinator for Brazil's impoverished northeast.

With the southern hemisphere winter approaching and the virus spreading fast, Brazil is facing "a perfect storm," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Brazil is now widely viewed as the epicentre of the pandemic, with the highest number of daily deaths of any nation. “We have people dying because of lack of oxygen, people are literally suffocating.

Brazil is now widely viewed as the epicentre of the pandemic, with the highest number of daily deaths of any nation. “We have people dying because of lack of oxygen, people are literally suffocating. The situation is completely out of control,” said journalist Patricia Campos Mello. Campos Mello comments came after Brazil registered on Tuesday a daily record tally of Covid deaths, recording more than 3,700 deaths, according to data from Brazil’s health ministry. Patricia Campos Mello, a reporter for Folha de Sao Paulo, had sued President Jair Bolsonaro after he made remarks that questioned her credibility. The Covid-19 death toll spiralled out of control in Brazil in March, more than doubling the country's previous monthly record. Brazil reported 66,573 people had died of Covid-19 in March -- more than twice as many fatalities as the country's second-deadliest month of the pandemic, July 2020. The virus has killed more than 2.8 million people since it emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan in late 2019. And though the world is looking to vaccines to end the upheaval Covid-19 has brought, rollouts are off to a sputtering start in many countries. That includes Brazil, where health experts say the explosion of cases is partly driven by a local variant of the virus known as P1, which can re-infect people who have had the original strain and is believed to be more contagious. "Never in Brazilian history have we seen a single event kill so many people" in one month, said Doctor Miguel Nicolelis, former pandemic response coordinator for Brazil's impoverished northeast. With the southern hemisphere winter approaching and the virus spreading fast, Brazil is facing "a perfect storm," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Covid in Brazil 'out of control', says the journalist who sued Bolsonaro for derogatory remarks

The commanders of Brazil's army, navy and air force will be replaced, the defence ministry said Tuesday, a day after President Jair Bolsonaro overhauled his cabinet with six substitutions, including a new defence minister.

"The decision was communicated in a meeting on Tuesday with incoming defence minister (Walter Souza) Braga Netto and outgoing minister Fernando Azevedo," it said in a brief statement that did not give a reason for their departure.

Amid a slide in his popularity, President Jair Bolsonaro had earlier shaken up the Cabinet, including replacing Brazil's foreign minister,&nbsp;who was widely&nbsp;criticised&nbsp;for an anti-globalism stance and accused by some of aggravating the pandemic by alienating vaccine suppliers.&nbsp;

Bolsonaro tweeted&nbsp;on&nbsp;Monday that he was shifting three other Cabinet ministers to new posts,&nbsp;chief of staff,&nbsp;defence&nbsp;minister and attorney general,&nbsp;and naming a new justice and public security minister and a new government secretary.&nbsp;

But the biggest change was moving&nbsp;Ernesto Araújo&nbsp;out as foreign minister.&nbsp;Ernesto Araújo&nbsp;had most recently been under fire for comments and actions that critics said impeded faster access to coronavirus vaccines as the coronavirus batters Brazil.&nbsp;

It was just the latest Cabinet turmoil for the embattled Bolsonaro. The president in mid-March replaced the health minister, whose tenure coincided with most of Brazil's 314,000 Covid-19 deaths and became the target of fierce criticism. In February, Bolsonaro tapped a retired army general to take over state-run oil behemoth Petrobras, seeking to appeal to his constituency of truck drivers,&nbsp;who had threatened to strike over fuel price increases.&nbsp;

Araújo&nbsp;was subjected to a nearly five-hour Senate hearing last week to defend his ministry's actions during the pandemic. Center-right Sen Tasso&nbsp;Jereissati&nbsp;told the minister that he no longer had the standing to remain in the post and that his exit would end the help end the crisis.&nbsp;

Maurício Santoro, professor of political science and international relations at the University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, said the Senate attacks on&nbsp;Araújo&nbsp;became too overpowering for Bolsonaro to withstand.&nbsp;

"The vaccine issue was the spark that lit the fire,"&nbsp;Santoro said.&nbsp;"The general context is&nbsp;Araújo&nbsp;failed in all the most important tasks he had to do as a minister. Brazil is facing bad political dialogue with its biggest trade partners,&nbsp;China, the US, the EU and Argentina,&nbsp;all for different reasons.&nbsp;

The new foreign minister is Carlos&nbsp;França, who like&nbsp;Araújo&nbsp;is a career diplomat. But unlike&nbsp;Araújo,&nbsp;França&nbsp;isn't a follower of far-right ideologue Olavo de Carvalho, the newspaper O Globo reported. He is an adviser to Bolsonaro and former ceremonial chief at the presidential palace and is considered to be pragmatic rather than ideological.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The commanders of Brazil's army, navy and air force will be replaced, the defence ministry said Tuesday, a day after President Jair Bolsonaro overhauled his cabinet with six substitutions, including a new defence minister.

The commanders of Brazil's army, navy and air force will be replaced, the defence ministry said Tuesday, a day after President Jair Bolsonaro overhauled his cabinet with six substitutions, including a new defence minister. "The decision was communicated in a meeting on Tuesday with incoming defence minister (Walter Souza) Braga Netto and outgoing minister Fernando Azevedo," it said in a brief statement that did not give a reason for their departure. Amid a slide in his popularity, President Jair Bolsonaro had earlier shaken up the Cabinet, including replacing Brazil's foreign minister, who was widely criticised for an anti-globalism stance and accused by some of aggravating the pandemic by alienating vaccine suppliers. Bolsonaro tweeted on Monday that he was shifting three other Cabinet ministers to new posts, chief of staff, defence minister and attorney general, and naming a new justice and public security minister and a new government secretary. But the biggest change was moving Ernesto Araújo out as foreign minister. Ernesto Araújo had most recently been under fire for comments and actions that critics said impeded faster access to coronavirus vaccines as the coronavirus batters Brazil. It was just the latest Cabinet turmoil for the embattled Bolsonaro. The president in mid-March replaced the health minister, whose tenure coincided with most of Brazil's 314,000 Covid-19 deaths and became the target of fierce criticism. In February, Bolsonaro tapped a retired army general to take over state-run oil behemoth Petrobras, seeking to appeal to his constituency of truck drivers, who had threatened to strike over fuel price increases. Araújo was subjected to a nearly five-hour Senate hearing last week to defend his ministry's actions during the pandemic. Center-right Sen Tasso Jereissati told the minister that he no longer had the standing to remain in the post and that his exit would end the help end the crisis. Maurício Santoro, professor of political science and international relations at the University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, said the Senate attacks on Araújo became too overpowering for Bolsonaro to withstand. "The vaccine issue was the spark that lit the fire," Santoro said. "The general context is Araújo failed in all the most important tasks he had to do as a minister. Brazil is facing bad political dialogue with its biggest trade partners, China, the US, the EU and Argentina, all for different reasons. The new foreign minister is Carlos França, who like Araújo is a career diplomat. But unlike Araújo, França isn't a follower of far-right ideologue Olavo de Carvalho, the newspaper O Globo reported. He is an adviser to Bolsonaro and former ceremonial chief at the presidential palace and is considered to be pragmatic rather than ideological. (With inputs from agencies)

Military chiefs exit in new turmoil for Bolsonaro after Cabinet shake-up

Brazil topped 300,000 COVID-19 deaths amid a major shortage of oxygen cylinders and hospital beds. Latin American leaders see red as Bolsonaro continues to reject partial lockdown measures. Has Brazil's pandemic response completely broken down? WION's Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Brazil suffocates as Oxygen cylinders run low

Lawyers and human-rights activists warn Brazil is seeing a surge in legal and extra-legal moves to stifle dissent against President Jair Bolsonaro, in some cases with legislation and tactics dating back to the country's 1964-1985 military dictatorship -- for which the president is openly nostalgic.

Police in Brazil have even employed a national security law against his critics, while lawyers and activists rally to provide them with legal help and accuse the government of trying to silence dissent.

On Friday, demonstrators challenged police in the capital by parading with anti-Bolsonaro signs a day after four protesters were detained. They had called the president "genocidal" for his handling of the coronavirus pandemic and displayed a cartoon depicting him as a Nazi. Officers took no action Friday as about 40 people protested for an hour.

The national security law makes it a crime to harm the heads of the three branches of government or expose them to danger. The vague measure has recently been used to detain or investigate Bolsonaro critics.

On several instances, the president has complained that he is being unfairly vilified, most recently Thursday night during a live Facebook broadcast.

"They call me a dictator. I want you to point at one thing I did in two years and two months that was autocratic," he said while complaining about a newspaper column that used the word genocidal to describe him.

Brasilia police said Thursday that the four detained protesters violated the national security law "as they showed a Swastika in association to the symbol of the president of the Republic." But Brazil's federal police force, which decides whether cases brought by local police deserve to go ahead in national security crimes, dismissed the case and released three of the four demonstrators. One was held on an outstanding warrant from a previous case.

The cases appear to almost entirely target Bolsonaro's critics, human rights organisations and activists say.

Federal police have conducted more than 80 investigations under the security law during Bolsonaro's first two years, and more than 10 in the first 45 days of 2021, according to the newspaper O Globo. The yearly average before the conservative leader took office was 11.

Other critics of the president complain of less-official backlash, in the form of "online militias" of Bolsonaro supporters who launch coordinated attacks and smear campaigns against his perceived opponents on social media.

Journalists, artists and scientists have also complained of coordinated attacks by Bolsonaro backers online.

The hate campaigns sometimes spill from the virtual world into real life.

Cardiologist Ludhmila Hajjar, whom Bolsonaro recently interviewed to be his next health minister, received death threats for supporting stay-at-home measures and questioning the use of drugs such as hydroxychloroquine against Covid-19 despite studies finding them ineffective.

When she met Bolsonaro -- himself a one-time user and heavy backer of hydroxychloroquine -- in Brasilia, unknown individuals tried to invade her hotel. She said she ultimately turned down the health minister job, citing "differences" with the president.

(with inputs from agencies)

Lawyers and human-rights activists warn Brazil is seeing a surge in legal and extra-legal moves to stifle dissent against President Jair Bolsonaro, in some cases with legislation and tactics dating back to the country's 1964-1985 military dictatorship -- for which the president is openly nostalgic.

Lawyers and human-rights activists warn Brazil is seeing a surge in legal and extra-legal moves to stifle dissent against President Jair Bolsonaro, in some cases with legislation and tactics dating back to the country's 1964-1985 military dictatorship -- for which the president is openly nostalgic. Police in Brazil have even employed a national security law against his critics, while lawyers and activists rally to provide them with legal help and accuse the government of trying to silence dissent. On Friday, demonstrators challenged police in the capital by parading with anti-Bolsonaro signs a day after four protesters were detained. They had called the president "genocidal" for his handling of the coronavirus pandemic and displayed a cartoon depicting him as a Nazi. Officers took no action Friday as about 40 people protested for an hour. The national security law makes it a crime to harm the heads of the three branches of government or expose them to danger. The vague measure has recently been used to detain or investigate Bolsonaro critics. On several instances, the president has complained that he is being unfairly vilified, most recently Thursday night during a live Facebook broadcast. "They call me a dictator. I want you to point at one thing I did in two years and two months that was autocratic," he said while complaining about a newspaper column that used the word genocidal to describe him. Brasilia police said Thursday that the four detained protesters violated the national security law "as they showed a Swastika in association to the symbol of the president of the Republic." But Brazil's federal police force, which decides whether cases brought by local police deserve to go ahead in national security crimes, dismissed the case and released three of the four demonstrators. One was held on an outstanding warrant from a previous case. The cases appear to almost entirely target Bolsonaro's critics, human rights organisations and activists say. Federal police have conducted more than 80 investigations under the security law during Bolsonaro's first two years, and more than 10 in the first 45 days of 2021, according to the newspaper O Globo. The yearly average before the conservative leader took office was 11. Other critics of the president complain of less-official backlash, in the form of "online militias" of Bolsonaro supporters who launch coordinated attacks and smear campaigns against his perceived opponents on social media. Journalists, artists and scientists have also complained of coordinated attacks by Bolsonaro backers online. The hate campaigns sometimes spill from the virtual world into real life. Cardiologist Ludhmila Hajjar, whom Bolsonaro recently interviewed to be his next health minister, received death threats for supporting stay-at-home measures and questioning the use of drugs such as hydroxychloroquine against Covid-19 despite studies finding them ineffective. When she met Bolsonaro -- himself a one-time user and heavy backer of hydroxychloroquine -- in Brasilia, unknown individuals tried to invade her hotel. She said she ultimately turned down the health minister job, citing "differences" with the president. (with inputs from agencies)

Bolsonaro critics targetted in intimidation campaign in Brazil

China was on the defensive in Brazil.

The Trump administration had been warning allies across the globe to shun Huawei, the Chinese telecommunications giant, denouncing the company as a dangerous extension of China’s surveillance system.

Brazil, ready to build an ambitious 5G wireless network worth billions of dollars, openly took President Donald Trump’s side, with the Brazilian president’s son — an influential member of Congress, himself — vowing in November to create a secure system “without Chinese espionage.”

Then pandemic politics upended everything.

With COVID-19 deaths rising to their highest levels yet, and a dangerous new virus variant stalking Brazil, the nation’s communications minister went to Beijing in February, met with Huawei executives at their headquarters and made a very unusual request of a telecommunication company.

“I took advantage of the trip to ask for vaccines, which is what everyone is clamoring for,” said the minister, Fábio Faria, recounting his meeting with Huawei.

Two weeks later, the Brazilian government announced the rules for its 5G auction, one of the biggest in the world. Huawei, which the government appeared to have barred just months before, will be allowed to participate.

The about-face is a sign of how politics in the region have been scrambled by the pandemic and Trump’s departure from the White House — and how China has begun to turn the tide.

China spent months batting away resentment and distrust as the place where the pandemic began, but in recent weeks its diplomats, pharmaceutical executives and other power brokers have been fielding scores of requests for vaccines from desperate officials in Latin America, where the pandemic is taking a devastating toll that grows by the day.

Beijing’s ability to mass-produce vaccines and ship them to countries in the developing world — while rich countries, including the United States, are hoarding many millions of doses for themselves — has offered a diplomatic and public relations opening that China has readily seized.

Suddenly, Beijing finds itself with enormous new leverage in Latin America, a region where it has a vast web of investments and ambitions to expand trade, military partnerships and cultural ties.

Only last year, President Jair Bolsonaro of Brazil, a right-wing leader who was closely aligned with Trump, disparaged the Chinese vaccine while it was undergoing clinical trials in Brazil, and shut down an effort by the health ministry to order 45 million doses.

“The Brazilian people WON’T BE ANYONE’S GUINEA PIG,” he wrote on Twitter.

But with Trump gone and Brazilian hospitals overwhelmed by a surge of infections, Bolsonaro’s government scrambled to mend fences with the Chinese and asked them to expedite tens of millions of vaccine shipments, as well as the ingredients to mass-produce the shots in Brazil.

The precise connection between the vaccine request and Huawei's inclusion in the 5G auction is unclear, but the timing is striking, and it is part of a stark change in Brazil’s stance toward China. The president, his son and the foreign minister abruptly stopped criticizing China, while Cabinet officials with inroads to the Chinese, like Faria, worked furiously to get new vaccine shipments approved. Millions of doses have arrived in recent weeks.

“With the desperation in Latin America for vaccines, this creates a perfect position for the Chinese,” said Evan Ellis, a professor of Latin American studies at the U.S. Army War College, who specializes on the region’s relationship with China.

With the coveted 5G contracts at stake — a source of intense geopolitical jockeying worldwide, including in countries like Britain and Germany — Huawei has mounted a well-timed charm offensive in Brazil.

It supplied hospitals with software to help doctors on the front lines of the pandemic. More recently, it donated 20 oxygen-making machines to the city of Manaus, where COVID patients suffocated to death in February as hospitals ran out of oxygen.

“May our joint efforts save lives!” the Chinese Embassy in Brazil said in a message on Twitter announcing the gift.

Before the first vaccines rolled off assembly lines, Huawei seemed to be losing the 5G contest in Brazil, knocked to the sidelines by the Trump administration’s campaign against it. Latin America’s largest nation was only months away from holding an auction to create its 5G network, a sweeping upgrade that will make wireless connections faster and more accessible.

Huawei, along with two European competitors, Nokia and Ericsson, aspired to play a leading role in partnering with local telecommunications companies to build the infrastructure. But the Chinese company needed the green light from Brazilian regulators to take part.

The Trump administration moved aggressively to thwart it. During a visit to Brazil late last year, Keith Krach, then the State Department’s top official for economic policy, called Huawei an industry pariah that needed to be locked out of 5G networks.

“The Chinese Communist Party cannot be trusted with our most sensitive data and intellectual property,” he said in a Nov. 11 speech in Brazil, during which he referred to Huawei as “the backbone of the CCP surveillance state.”

Krach argued that “free nations” needed to agree to coalesce around a “clean network” that excluded Huawei, because “our chain of security is only as strong as its weakest link.”

Weeks after the visit, Brazil appeared to be on board with Washington’s efforts to blacklist Huawei. In a statement issued after Krach’s meeting, Brazil’s foreign ministry said Brazil “supports the principles contained in the Clean Network proposal made by the United States.”

Eduardo Bolsonaro, a son of the president, who headed the foreign affairs committee in the lower house of Congress, said in a tweet that Brazil would back Washington’s push.

China had already faced scorn in some corners of Latin America early in the pandemic, as concerns that it had been careless in allowing the virus to slip beyond its borders took root. Beijing’s reputation took an additional hit in Peru, after exporting cheap, unreliable COVID tests that became an early misstep in the country’s efforts to rein in contagion.

But China found an opportunity to shift the narrative early this year, as its CoronaVac became the cheapest and most accessible inoculation for countries in the developing world.

With the pandemic under control in China, Sinovac, the maker of CoronaVac, began shipping millions of doses abroad, offering free samples to 53 countries and exporting it to 22 nations that placed orders.

As the first doses of CoronaVac were administered in Latin America, China took a swipe at wealthy nations that were doing little to guarantee prompt access to vaccines in poorer countries.

“Global distribution of vaccines must be fair and in particular, accessible and affordable to developing countries,” the foreign minister, Wang Yi, said in a speech late last month. “We hope that all countries that have the capability will join hands and make due contributions.”

In late February, as the first doses of China’s vaccines were being administered in Brazil, the country’s telecom regulatory agency announced rules for the 5G auction, which is scheduled to take place in July, that do not exclude Huawei.

The change in Brazil reflects how the campaign against Huawei driven by Trump has lost momentum since his defeat in the November election. Britain said it would not ban equipment made by Huawei from its new high-speed 5G wireless network. Germany has signaled a similar approach to Britain’s.

Thiago de Aragão, a Brasília-based political risk consultant who focuses on China’s relationships in Latin America, said two factors saved Huawei from a humiliating defeat in Brazil. The election of President Joe Biden, who has harshly criticized Brazil’s environmental record, made the Brazilian government unenthusiastic about being in lock step with Washington, he said, and China’s ability to make or break the early phase of Brazil’s vaccination effort made the prospect of angering the Chinese by banning Huawei untenable.

“They were facing certain death by October and November and now they’re back in the game,” de Aragão said of Huawei.

The request for vaccines by the Brazilian communications minister, Faria, occurred as it became clear Beijing held the keys to accelerate or throttle the vaccination campaign in Brazil, where more than 270,000 people have died of COVID-19.

The only reason Brazil had a few million doses of CoronaVac on hand in early February was that one of Bolsonaro’s rivals, São Paulo Gov. João Doria, had negotiated directly with the Chinese.

In an interview, Faria said there was no quid pro quo suggested in his request to Huawei for help with vaccines. In fact, he said, he also asked executives at competing telecommunications companies in Europe if they could help Brazil obtain shots.

“It wasn’t put on the table, vaccines versus 5G,” he said, describing the request for help with vaccines as appropriate.

On Feb. 11, Faria posted a letter from China’s ambassador to Brazil in which the ambassador noted the request and wrote that “I give this matter great importance.”

In a statement, Huawei did not say it would provide vaccines directly but said the company could help with “communication in an open and transparent manner in a topic involving the two governments.”

China is also the dominant supplier of vaccines in Chile, which has mounted the most aggressive inoculation campaign in Latin America, and it is shipping millions of doses to Mexico, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador and Bolivia.

In a sign of China’s growing leverage, Paraguay, where COVID-19 cases are surging, has struggled to gain access to Chinese vaccines because it is among the few countries in the world that have diplomatic relations with Taiwan, which China considers part of its territory.

In an interview, Paraguay’s foreign minister, Euclides Acevedo, said his country is seeking to negotiate access to CoronaVac through intermediary countries. Then he made an extraordinary overture to China, which has spent years trying to get the last few countries that recognize Taiwan to switch their alliances.

“We would hope the relationship does not end at vaccines, but takes on another dimension in the economic and cultural spheres,” he said. “We must be open to every nation as we seek cooperation and to do so we must have a pragmatic vision.”

China was on the defensive in Brazil. The Trump administration had been warning allies across the globe to shun Huawei, the Chinese telecommunications giant, denouncing the company as a dangerous extension of China’s surveillance system.

China was on the defensive in Brazil. The Trump administration had been warning allies across the globe to shun Huawei, the Chinese telecommunications giant, denouncing the company as a dangerous extension of China’s surveillance system. Brazil, ready to build an ambitious 5G wireless network worth billions of dollars, openly took President Donald Trump’s side, with the Brazilian president’s son — an influential member of Congress, himself — vowing in November to create a secure system “without Chinese espionage.” Then pandemic politics upended everything. With COVID-19 deaths rising to their highest levels yet, and a dangerous new virus variant stalking Brazil, the nation’s communications minister went to Beijing in February, met with Huawei executives at their headquarters and made a very unusual request of a telecommunication company. “I took advantage of the trip to ask for vaccines, which is what everyone is clamoring for,” said the minister, Fábio Faria, recounting his meeting with Huawei. Two weeks later, the Brazilian government announced the rules for its 5G auction, one of the biggest in the world. Huawei, which the government appeared to have barred just months before, will be allowed to participate. The about-face is a sign of how politics in the region have been scrambled by the pandemic and Trump’s departure from the White House — and how China has begun to turn the tide. China spent months batting away resentment and distrust as the place where the pandemic began, but in recent weeks its diplomats, pharmaceutical executives and other power brokers have been fielding scores of requests for vaccines from desperate officials in Latin America, where the pandemic is taking a devastating toll that grows by the day. Beijing’s ability to mass-produce vaccines and ship them to countries in the developing world — while rich countries, including the United States, are hoarding many millions of doses for themselves — has offered a diplomatic and public relations opening that China has readily seized. Suddenly, Beijing finds itself with enormous new leverage in Latin America, a region where it has a vast web of investments and ambitions to expand trade, military partnerships and cultural ties. Only last year, President Jair Bolsonaro of Brazil, a right-wing leader who was closely aligned with Trump, disparaged the Chinese vaccine while it was undergoing clinical trials in Brazil, and shut down an effort by the health ministry to order 45 million doses. “The Brazilian people WON’T BE ANYONE’S GUINEA PIG,” he wrote on Twitter. But with Trump gone and Brazilian hospitals overwhelmed by a surge of infections, Bolsonaro’s government scrambled to mend fences with the Chinese and asked them to expedite tens of millions of vaccine shipments, as well as the ingredients to mass-produce the shots in Brazil. The precise connection between the vaccine request and Huawei's inclusion in the 5G auction is unclear, but the timing is striking, and it is part of a stark change in Brazil’s stance toward China. The president, his son and the foreign minister abruptly stopped criticizing China, while Cabinet officials with inroads to the Chinese, like Faria, worked furiously to get new vaccine shipments approved. Millions of doses have arrived in recent weeks. “With the desperation in Latin America for vaccines, this creates a perfect position for the Chinese,” said Evan Ellis, a professor of Latin American studies at the U.S. Army War College, who specializes on the region’s relationship with China. With the coveted 5G contracts at stake — a source of intense geopolitical jockeying worldwide, including in countries like Britain and Germany — Huawei has mounted a well-timed charm offensive in Brazil. It supplied hospitals with software to help doctors on the front lines of the pandemic. More recently, it donated 20 oxygen-making machines to the city of Manaus, where COVID patients suffocated to death in February as hospitals ran out of oxygen. “May our joint efforts save lives!” the Chinese Embassy in Brazil said in a message on Twitter announcing the gift. Before the first vaccines rolled off assembly lines, Huawei seemed to be losing the 5G contest in Brazil, knocked to the sidelines by the Trump administration’s campaign against it. Latin America’s largest nation was only months away from holding an auction to create its 5G network, a sweeping upgrade that will make wireless connections faster and more accessible. Huawei, along with two European competitors, Nokia and Ericsson, aspired to play a leading role in partnering with local telecommunications companies to build the infrastructure. But the Chinese company needed the green light from Brazilian regulators to take part. The Trump administration moved aggressively to thwart it. During a visit to Brazil late last year, Keith Krach, then the State Department’s top official for economic policy, called Huawei an industry pariah that needed to be locked out of 5G networks. “The Chinese Communist Party cannot be trusted with our most sensitive data and intellectual property,” he said in a Nov. 11 speech in Brazil, during which he referred to Huawei as “the backbone of the CCP surveillance state.” Krach argued that “free nations” needed to agree to coalesce around a “clean network” that excluded Huawei, because “our chain of security is only as strong as its weakest link.” Weeks after the visit, Brazil appeared to be on board with Washington’s efforts to blacklist Huawei. In a statement issued after Krach’s meeting, Brazil’s foreign ministry said Brazil “supports the principles contained in the Clean Network proposal made by the United States.” Eduardo Bolsonaro, a son of the president, who headed the foreign affairs committee in the lower house of Congress, said in a tweet that Brazil would back Washington’s push. China had already faced scorn in some corners of Latin America early in the pandemic, as concerns that it had been careless in allowing the virus to slip beyond its borders took root. Beijing’s reputation took an additional hit in Peru, after exporting cheap, unreliable COVID tests that became an early misstep in the country’s efforts to rein in contagion. But China found an opportunity to shift the narrative early this year, as its CoronaVac became the cheapest and most accessible inoculation for countries in the developing world. With the pandemic under control in China, Sinovac, the maker of CoronaVac, began shipping millions of doses abroad, offering free samples to 53 countries and exporting it to 22 nations that placed orders. As the first doses of CoronaVac were administered in Latin America, China took a swipe at wealthy nations that were doing little to guarantee prompt access to vaccines in poorer countries. “Global distribution of vaccines must be fair and in particular, accessible and affordable to developing countries,” the foreign minister, Wang Yi, said in a speech late last month. “We hope that all countries that have the capability will join hands and make due contributions.” In late February, as the first doses of China’s vaccines were being administered in Brazil, the country’s telecom regulatory agency announced rules for the 5G auction, which is scheduled to take place in July, that do not exclude Huawei. The change in Brazil reflects how the campaign against Huawei driven by Trump has lost momentum since his defeat in the November election. Britain said it would not ban equipment made by Huawei from its new high-speed 5G wireless network. Germany has signaled a similar approach to Britain’s. Thiago de Aragão, a Brasília-based political risk consultant who focuses on China’s relationships in Latin America, said two factors saved Huawei from a humiliating defeat in Brazil. The election of President Joe Biden, who has harshly criticized Brazil’s environmental record, made the Brazilian government unenthusiastic about being in lock step with Washington, he said, and China’s ability to make or break the early phase of Brazil’s vaccination effort made the prospect of angering the Chinese by banning Huawei untenable. “They were facing certain death by October and November and now they’re back in the game,” de Aragão said of Huawei. The request for vaccines by the Brazilian communications minister, Faria, occurred as it became clear Beijing held the keys to accelerate or throttle the vaccination campaign in Brazil, where more than 270,000 people have died of COVID-19. The only reason Brazil had a few million doses of CoronaVac on hand in early February was that one of Bolsonaro’s rivals, São Paulo Gov. João Doria, had negotiated directly with the Chinese. In an interview, Faria said there was no quid pro quo suggested in his request to Huawei for help with vaccines. In fact, he said, he also asked executives at competing telecommunications companies in Europe if they could help Brazil obtain shots. “It wasn’t put on the table, vaccines versus 5G,” he said, describing the request for help with vaccines as appropriate. On Feb. 11, Faria posted a letter from China’s ambassador to Brazil in which the ambassador noted the request and wrote that “I give this matter great importance.” In a statement, Huawei did not say it would provide vaccines directly but said the company could help with “communication in an open and transparent manner in a topic involving the two governments.” China is also the dominant supplier of vaccines in Chile, which has mounted the most aggressive inoculation campaign in Latin America, and it is shipping millions of doses to Mexico, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador and Bolivia. In a sign of China’s growing leverage, Paraguay, where COVID-19 cases are surging, has struggled to gain access to Chinese vaccines because it is among the few countries in the world that have diplomatic relations with Taiwan, which China considers part of its territory. In an interview, Paraguay’s foreign minister, Euclides Acevedo, said his country is seeking to negotiate access to CoronaVac through intermediary countries. Then he made an extraordinary overture to China, which has spent years trying to get the last few countries that recognize Taiwan to switch their alliances. “We would hope the relationship does not end at vaccines, but takes on another dimension in the economic and cultural spheres,” he said. “We must be open to every nation as we seek cooperation and to do so we must have a pragmatic vision.”

Brazil needs vaccines. China is benefiting

Lula, whose corruption convictions were overturned by a Supreme Court justice on Monday allowing him to return to political office, said he had not decided whether to run in next years election.

'Many deaths could have been avoided', Lula takes aim at Bolsonaro

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has witnessed a dip in support in the country, a poll by Datafolha showed.

Currently, the second wave of COVID-19 is wrecking the country's pandemic response. Even with dwindling support, the majority of Brazilians are against his impeachment.&nbsp;

The data from both the polls was&nbsp;released by Datafolha on Friday. And in one of the polls, 40 per cent of respondents rated Bolsonaro's administration as bad or terrible. In December, 32 per cent had claimed the same.&nbsp;

Only a third of respondents rated his administration good or excellent. In an earlier poll from December, 37 per cent responded positively.&nbsp; 
 
According to the Folha de S Paulo newspaper, this represents the biggest drop in approval for Bolsonaro since his government assumed power in 2019.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/indigenous-leaders-of-brazil-sue-bolsonaro-for-crimes-against-humanity-358862" hreflang="en">Indigenous leaders of Brazil sue Bolsonaro for 'crimes against humanity'</a>

Critics have called Brazil's vaccine rollout slow, as the second of COVID-19 intensifies in the country. The country of 210 million people began rolling out vaccines last week.

Protests were witnessed in cities across the country this month. Many have asked for Bolsonaro's impeachment for his skewed response to the pandemic.

The new variant of the virus has now appeared in northern Brazil, putting more pressure on an already cramped healthcare system. This variant is considered more transmissible than the original strain. Owing to this, countries have banned entry for Brazilian travellers.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/with-a-hanuman-image-brazil-president-bolsonaro-thanks-pm-modi-for-covid-vaccines-358644" hreflang="en">With a Hanuman image, Brazil President Bolsonaro thanks PM Modi for COVID vaccines</a>

Bolsonaro has played down the pandemic multiple times and has said that he will not be taking the vaccine. 
 
Another poll by Datafolha revealed that 53 per cent of respondents do not want the initiation of impeachment proceedings against Bolsonaro for how he handled the pandemic. This number went up from 50 per cent in a previous survey. 
 
The surveys were conducted on January 20, 21 for which over 2,030 people were interviewed.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has witnessed a dip in support in the country, a poll by Datafolha showed. Currently, the second wave of COVID-19 is wrecking the country's pandemic response.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has witnessed a dip in support in the country, a poll by Datafolha showed. Currently, the second wave of COVID-19 is wrecking the country's pandemic response. Even with dwindling support, the majority of Brazilians are against his impeachment. The data from both the polls was released by Datafolha on Friday. And in one of the polls, 40 per cent of respondents rated Bolsonaro's administration as bad or terrible. In December, 32 per cent had claimed the same. Only a third of respondents rated his administration good or excellent. In an earlier poll from December, 37 per cent responded positively. According to the Folha de S Paulo newspaper, this represents the biggest drop in approval for Bolsonaro since his government assumed power in 2019. Also read: Indigenous leaders of Brazil sue Bolsonaro for 'crimes against humanity' Critics have called Brazil's vaccine rollout slow, as the second of COVID-19 intensifies in the country. The country of 210 million people began rolling out vaccines last week. Protests were witnessed in cities across the country this month. Many have asked for Bolsonaro's impeachment for his skewed response to the pandemic. The new variant of the virus has now appeared in northern Brazil, putting more pressure on an already cramped healthcare system. This variant is considered more transmissible than the original strain. Owing to this, countries have banned entry for Brazilian travellers. Also read: With a Hanuman image, Brazil President Bolsonaro thanks PM Modi for COVID vaccines Bolsonaro has played down the pandemic multiple times and has said that he will not be taking the vaccine. Another poll by Datafolha revealed that 53 per cent of respondents do not want the initiation of impeachment proceedings against Bolsonaro for how he handled the pandemic. This number went up from 50 per cent in a previous survey. The surveys were conducted on January 20, 21 for which over 2,030 people were interviewed.

Polls reveal support for Bolsonaro fell sharply, but majority reject impeachment

Brazillian President Jair Bolsonaro on Friday thanked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for coronavirus vaccines. India, one of world's biggest drug manufacturers is already helping several countries by providing them coronavirus vaccines. In his tweet, Bolsonaro included an image of Lord Hanuman bringing the 'Sanjivani booti' from India to Brazil. Sanjivani Booti is the medicine Lord Hanuman delivered for Laxmana, the legendary warrior and brother of Lord Rama when he was injured in battle in the Indian epic Ramayana. But in Bolsonaro's tweet, the 'Sanjivani Booti' is the COVID vaccine.

"Namaskar, Prime Minister @narendramodi Brazil feels honoured to have a great partner to overcome a global obstacle by joining efforts. Thank you for assisting us with the vaccines exports from India to Brazil," said Bolsonaro in Twitter.

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Namaskar, Prime Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> 
 
Brazil feels honoured to have a great partner to overcome a global obstacle by joining efforts. 
 
Thank you for assisting us with the vaccines exports from India to Brazil. 
 
Dhanyavaad! धनयवाद
— Jair M. Bolsonaro (@jairbolsonaro) <a href="https://twitter.com/jairbolsonaro/status/1352630699480797186?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Two flights, each carrying two million vaccine doses for Brazil and Morocco took off from Mumbai airport early on Friday.

"The Covishield vaccine, manufactured by the Serum Institute of India, departed from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) carrying 2 million doses to Brazil via Emirates Sky Cargo and 2 million doses to Morocco on Royal Air Maroc," said a press release by the airport. It mentioned that the airport has facilitated movement of over 14.17 million doses of the Covishield vaccine across various international and domestic destinations

On Friday, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said in a media briefing that India had sent consignments of coronavirus vaccines under grant assistance to Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Seychelles.

Asked whether India is sending the vaccines to Pakistan, Srivastava said he was not aware of any request for their supply by Pakistan on a government-to government basis or commercial basis.

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On Wednesday, India sent 1,50,000 doses of Covisheild vaccine to Bhutan and 1,00,000 doses to the Maldives as grant assistance. 
India on Thursday delivered two million doses of Covisheild vaccine to Bangladesh and one million doses to Nepal under grants assistance, while a consignment containing 1.5 million doses was sent to Myanmar, 50,000 doses to Seychelles on Friday.

"Keeping in view the domestic requirements of the phased rollout, India will continue to supply COVID-19 vaccines to partner countries over the coming weeks and months in a phased manner. It will be ensured that domestic manufacturers will have adequate stocks to meet domestic requirements while supplying abroad," Srivastava said.

Srivastava said supplies of coronavirus vaccines under grant assistance will be made to Sri Lanka and Afghanistan after getting confirmation of regulatory clearances.

"Acting East. Acting fast. Indian vaccines have arrived in Myanmar to contribute to our neighbour's inoculation efforts," External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar tweeted. 
"Indian vaccines reach Seychelles. That's what friends are for," he said in another tweet.

(With agency inputs)

Brazillian President Jair Bolsonaro on Friday thanked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for coronavirus vaccines. India, one of world's biggest drug manufacturers is already helping several countries by providing them coronavirus vaccines.

Brazillian President Jair Bolsonaro on Friday thanked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for coronavirus vaccines. India, one of world's biggest drug manufacturers is already helping several countries by providing them coronavirus vaccines. In his tweet, Bolsonaro included an image of Lord Hanuman bringing the 'Sanjivani booti' from India to Brazil. Sanjivani Booti is the medicine Lord Hanuman delivered for Laxmana, the legendary warrior and brother of Lord Rama when he was injured in battle in the Indian epic Ramayana. But in Bolsonaro's tweet, the 'Sanjivani Booti' is the COVID vaccine. "Namaskar, Prime Minister @narendramodi Brazil feels honoured to have a great partner to overcome a global obstacle by joining efforts. Thank you for assisting us with the vaccines exports from India to Brazil," said Bolsonaro in Twitter. Namaskar, Prime Minister @narendramodi Brazil feels honoured to have a great partner to overcome a global obstacle by joining efforts. Thank you for assisting us with the vaccines exports from India to Brazil. Dhanyavaad! धनयवाद — Jair M. Bolsonaro (@jairbolsonaro) January 22, 2021 × Two flights, each carrying two million vaccine doses for Brazil and Morocco took off from Mumbai airport early on Friday. "The Covishield vaccine, manufactured by the Serum Institute of India, departed from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) carrying 2 million doses to Brazil via Emirates Sky Cargo and 2 million doses to Morocco on Royal Air Maroc," said a press release by the airport. It mentioned that the airport has facilitated movement of over 14.17 million doses of the Covishield vaccine across various international and domestic destinations On Friday, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said in a media briefing that India had sent consignments of coronavirus vaccines under grant assistance to Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Seychelles. Asked whether India is sending the vaccines to Pakistan, Srivastava said he was not aware of any request for their supply by Pakistan on a government-to government basis or commercial basis. × On Wednesday, India sent 1,50,000 doses of Covisheild vaccine to Bhutan and 1,00,000 doses to the Maldives as grant assistance. India on Thursday delivered two million doses of Covisheild vaccine to Bangladesh and one million doses to Nepal under grants assistance, while a consignment containing 1.5 million doses was sent to Myanmar, 50,000 doses to Seychelles on Friday. "Keeping in view the domestic requirements of the phased rollout, India will continue to supply COVID-19 vaccines to partner countries over the coming weeks and months in a phased manner. It will be ensured that domestic manufacturers will have adequate stocks to meet domestic requirements while supplying abroad," Srivastava said. Srivastava said supplies of coronavirus vaccines under grant assistance will be made to Sri Lanka and Afghanistan after getting confirmation of regulatory clearances. "Acting East. Acting fast. Indian vaccines have arrived in Myanmar to contribute to our neighbour's inoculation efforts," External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar tweeted. "Indian vaccines reach Seychelles. That's what friends are for," he said in another tweet. (With agency inputs)

With a Hanuman image, Brazil President Bolsonaro thanks PM Modi for COVID vaccines

Two top Brazillian indigenous leaders on Friday, asked International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate President Jair Bolsonaro for 'crimes against humanity'. They have accused him of unprecedented environmental damage, killings and persecution. Chief Raoni Metuktire, the leader of the Kayapo people, and Chief Almir Narayamoga Surui, leader of the Paiter Surui tribe, filed the claim at the ICC on Friday.

Since Bolsonaro became president in January 2019, "the destruction of the Amazonian forest has accelerated without measure," said the complaint to the ICC, reported by France's Le Monde newspaper on Saturday.

The complaint said that the deforestation had increased "by 34.5 per cent in a year, the assassination of indigenous leaders is at an 11-year high and environmental agencies have collapsed or faced threats."

The two leaders said killings and forced transfer of locals and persecution amounted to "crimes against humanity".

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-a-hanuman-image-brazil-president-bolsonaro-thanks-pm-modi-for-covid-vaccines-358644">With a Hanuman image, Brazil President Bolsonaro thanks PM Modi for COVID vaccines</a>

Bolsonaro government has proposed legislation that would relax restrictions in Amazon regions on commercial mining, oil and gas extraction and agriculture.

Activists are pushing for ecocide to be added to the crimes prosecuted by the ICC, alongside genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.&nbsp;

The issue was raised by the Maldives and Vanuatu at the ICC general assembly in December 2019.&nbsp;

"This situation, the most dramatic in the last 10 years, is a direct result of the policies of Jair Bolsonaro", who wants to "lift all the barriers to plunder the wealth of the Amazon," the suit said, also singling out mining firms. 
It said the "destruction of the Amazon forest... was a direct danger not only for Brazilians but for all humanity."

In July last year, health workers in Brazil had also urged the ICC to probe Bolsonaro for crimes against humanity over his handling of the Covid-19 pandemic.

A month earlier Chief Raoni had told AFP in an interview that Bolsonaro was trying to use the pandemic to eliminate indigenous people.

(With AFP inputs)

Two top Brazillian indigenous leaders on Friday, asked International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate President Jair Bolsonaro for 'crimes against humanity'. They have accused him of unprecedented environmental damage, killings and persecution.

Two top Brazillian indigenous leaders on Friday, asked International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate President Jair Bolsonaro for 'crimes against humanity'. They have accused him of unprecedented environmental damage, killings and persecution. Chief Raoni Metuktire, the leader of the Kayapo people, and Chief Almir Narayamoga Surui, leader of the Paiter Surui tribe, filed the claim at the ICC on Friday. Since Bolsonaro became president in January 2019, "the destruction of the Amazonian forest has accelerated without measure," said the complaint to the ICC, reported by France's Le Monde newspaper on Saturday. The complaint said that the deforestation had increased "by 34.5 per cent in a year, the assassination of indigenous leaders is at an 11-year high and environmental agencies have collapsed or faced threats." The two leaders said killings and forced transfer of locals and persecution amounted to "crimes against humanity". Also Read | With a Hanuman image, Brazil President Bolsonaro thanks PM Modi for COVID vaccines Bolsonaro government has proposed legislation that would relax restrictions in Amazon regions on commercial mining, oil and gas extraction and agriculture. Activists are pushing for ecocide to be added to the crimes prosecuted by the ICC, alongside genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. The issue was raised by the Maldives and Vanuatu at the ICC general assembly in December 2019. "This situation, the most dramatic in the last 10 years, is a direct result of the policies of Jair Bolsonaro", who wants to "lift all the barriers to plunder the wealth of the Amazon," the suit said, also singling out mining firms. It said the "destruction of the Amazon forest... was a direct danger not only for Brazilians but for all humanity." In July last year, health workers in Brazil had also urged the ICC to probe Bolsonaro for crimes against humanity over his handling of the Covid-19 pandemic. A month earlier Chief Raoni had told AFP in an interview that Bolsonaro was trying to use the pandemic to eliminate indigenous people. (With AFP inputs)

Indigenous leaders of Brazil sue Bolsonaro for 'crimes against humanity'

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro reportedly tried to sabotage efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19 in his country, putting forward policies that further undermined the rights of Brazilians, Human Rights Watch (HRW) claimed on Wednesday.

The group also claimed that institutions such as the Supreme Court and Congress have stepped up efforts to protect citizens of Brazil, while blocking some dangerous policies put forward by the leader, as stated by the organisation in its annual world report.

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Bolsonaro attempted to remove states authority over people's movements. But the Supreme Court ruled against Bolsonaro.

In addition, the country's top court prevented Bolsonaro from withholding data about COVID-19 from the public, additionally ordering the administration to come up with a plan which would protect indigenous groups in Brazil.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/brazils-bolsonaro-asks-india-to-expedite-vaccine-shipment-as-delays-loom-355513" hreflang="en">Brazil's Bolsonaro asks India to expedite vaccine shipment as delays loom</a>

At the same time, Congress was passing a bill to provide emergency health care to indigenous groups.

Bolsonaro is famous for playing down the severity of the pandemic, initially calling it a "little flu". He also criticised lockdowns and social distancing measures.&nbsp;

According to HRW, Bolsonaro has disseminated misleading information about the virus.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/brazilian-president-jair-bolsonaro-says-his-country-is-broke-and-he-cant-do-anything-354727" hreflang="en">Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro says his country is 'broke' and he 'can't do anything'</a> 
 
Bolsonaro himself also caught COVID once, but even then his attitude towards the virus remained unchanged. He claimed that lockdowns will damage Brazil's economy and will leave many people out of work.

HRW also claimed that besides the pandemic, Bolsonaro has underplayed women's rights, lashing out at reporters and civil society groups. He has also bullied independent media in the country, the group said.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro reportedly tried to sabotage efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19 in his country, putting forward policies that further undermined the rights of Brazilians, Human Rights Watch (HRW) claimed on Wednesday.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro reportedly tried to sabotage efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19 in his country, putting forward policies that further undermined the rights of Brazilians, Human Rights Watch (HRW) claimed on Wednesday. The group also claimed that institutions such as the Supreme Court and Congress have stepped up efforts to protect citizens of Brazil, while blocking some dangerous policies put forward by the leader, as stated by the organisation in its annual world report. Bolsonaro attempted to remove states authority over people's movements. But the Supreme Court ruled against Bolsonaro. In addition, the country's top court prevented Bolsonaro from withholding data about COVID-19 from the public, additionally ordering the administration to come up with a plan which would protect indigenous groups in Brazil. Also read: Brazil's Bolsonaro asks India to expedite vaccine shipment as delays loom At the same time, Congress was passing a bill to provide emergency health care to indigenous groups. Bolsonaro is famous for playing down the severity of the pandemic, initially calling it a "little flu". He also criticised lockdowns and social distancing measures. According to HRW, Bolsonaro has disseminated misleading information about the virus. Also read: Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro says his country is 'broke' and he 'can't do anything' Bolsonaro himself also caught COVID once, but even then his attitude towards the virus remained unchanged. He claimed that lockdowns will damage Brazil's economy and will leave many people out of work. HRW also claimed that besides the pandemic, Bolsonaro has underplayed women's rights, lashing out at reporters and civil society groups. He has also bullied independent media in the country, the group said.

Brazilian President Bolsonaro sabotaged coronavirus relief measures, claims Human Rights Watch

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro asked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to expedite a shipment of AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine amid broader delays to the vaccine's arrival in Brazil, according to a letter on Friday.

Brazil's Bolsonaro asks India to expedite vaccine shipment as delays loom

Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro slammed neighbouring Argentina's decision to legalise abortion, branding it as state "consent" to killing children.

"I deeply regret the lives of Argentine children, now exposed to being cut from the wombs of their mothers with the consent of the state," tweeted the far-right leader of the world's biggest Catholic country.

Argentina has become one of only a handful of South American nations to legalise abortion.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-is-brazil-interfering-with-healthcare-353698">WATCH|</a>

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South America has some of the most restrictive abortion laws in the world. In Argentina, terminations are currently allowed in only two instances: rape, and danger to the mother's life.&nbsp;

The landmark law would legalise voluntary abortions at up to 14 weeks.

The bill was proposed by President Alberto Fernandez and passed the Chamber of Deputies on December 11, despite fierce opposition from the Catholic Church and evangelical Christians.

Pro-choice activists have campaigned for years to change the abortion laws that date from 1921, adopting a green scarf as their symbol.

Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro slammed neighbouring Argentina's decision to legalise abortion, branding it as state "consent" to killing children. "I deeply regret the lives of Argentine children, now exposed to being cut from the wombs of their mothers with the consent of the state," tweeted the far-right leader of the world's biggest Catholic country.

Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro slammed neighbouring Argentina's decision to legalise abortion, branding it as state "consent" to killing children. "I deeply regret the lives of Argentine children, now exposed to being cut from the wombs of their mothers with the consent of the state," tweeted the far-right leader of the world's biggest Catholic country. Argentina has become one of only a handful of South American nations to legalise abortion. WATCH| × South America has some of the most restrictive abortion laws in the world. In Argentina, terminations are currently allowed in only two instances: rape, and danger to the mother's life. The landmark law would legalise voluntary abortions at up to 14 weeks. The bill was proposed by President Alberto Fernandez and passed the Chamber of Deputies on December 11, despite fierce opposition from the Catholic Church and evangelical Christians. Pro-choice activists have campaigned for years to change the abortion laws that date from 1921, adopting a green scarf as their symbol.

Brazil President Bolsonaro slams Argentina abortion law

The world is welcoming Argentina's new abortion law, but Brazil's President Jair M. Bolsonaro is unhappy. Palki Sharma tells you why.

Gravitas: Is Brazil interfering with healthcare?

Argentina's historic abortion law which was considered to be triumph for women rights campaigner. But the decision doesn't settle well with right wing president of Brazil, Bolsonaro said, 'abortion never be approved on our soil'.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro slams Argentina's historic abortion law

Brazil is facing a dire situation as President Jair Bolsonaro continues to make bizarre claims & statements. When countries are rushing to innoculate their citizens, Brazilians are left with chaos & confusion. Molly Gambhir tells you why.

Is the President of Brazil living in another reality?

'Vaccine may turn you into crocodiles' is the latest suggestion by Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro. Palki Sharma Upadhyay gets you a report on Bolsonaro's never-ending pandemic denial.

Gravitas: Bolsonaro sceptic on Vaccine side-effects

Brazil prides itself on its world-leading immunization experts, medical institutions and vaccine research, but President Jair Bolsonaro's government has been accused of having a chaotic plan to inoculate against Covid-19.

Bolsonaro finally launched a mass immunization campaign on Wednesday that aims to vaccinate 70 percent of the population within 16 months, but the president has been accused of repeatedly sabotaging his own program.

On Thursday he released 20 billion reais ($3.9 billion) to buy vaccine doses in a country that has already lost more than 184,000 people to the coronavirus -- the second highest national total in the world.

Later that day, the government announced that daily deaths had risen above 1,000 for the first time since September.

Analysts say the country took too long to formulate an immunization plan, lacked a precise start date and has no clear vaccine purchase and distribution strategy.

Bolsonaro, who caught the virus in July and once described it as "a little cold," announced he would not be getting an injection himself.

And he mocked the potential side-effects of the vaccine type developed by US pharmaceutical giant Pfizer and German biotechnology company BioNTech, which has already been rolled out in the US and Britain.

"In the Pfizer contract it's very clear: 'we're not responsible for any side effects.' If you turn into a crocodile, it's your problem," Bolsonaro said on Thursday.

"If you become superhuman, if a woman starts to grow a beard or if a man starts to speak with an effeminate voice, they will not have anything to do with it," he said, referring to the drug manufacturers.

It seems to be having an effect: according to a poll by Datafolha, the number of people prepared to be vaccinated from Covid-19 fell from 89 percent in August to 73 percent in December.

Bolsonaro said the vaccine wouldn't be mandatory, but the Supreme Court contradicted him -- adding though that no-one could be "forced" to take it.

- 'Missed the train' -

The government is negotiating the purchase of 350 million doses of coronavirus vaccines for 2021.

The figure includes 210 million of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine that is largely made in Brazil by the Fiocruz institute, 70 million of Pfizer's vaccine and another 42 million of the one produced by the international conglomerate Covaz.

However, none of those, nor the CoronaVac produced by Chinese laboratory Sinovac, which is being tested in Sao Paulo, have yet asked the regulatory agency Anvisa for emergency use authorization -- which they will need before they can start vaccinating.

"Bolsonaro has lost a lot of time with his denials, with his political battles with state governors over quarantine measures, with his campaign against the vaccine and it being mandatory," Jose David Urbaez, from the Brazilian Infectiology Society, told AFP.

"To start a program like this you need to have negotiated with the pharmaceutical companies a long time ago" and organized buying syringes, the cold chain and the human resources needed, he added.

For Luiz Gustavo de Almeida, a microbiologist at the University of Sao Paulo, Brazil "missed the first train" of Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna vaccines delivered to the US.

"They'll have to wait for the second train when the government will finally be able to acquire vaccines and that won't be until March, April or May 2021. Those who aren't priorities probably won't start receiving them until 2022."

The government says it expects to vaccinate the most at-risk groups in four months -- once it has approval for a vaccine.

- 'Disastrous results' -

Bolsonaro is also embroiled in a public spat over vaccines with Sao Paulo state governor Joao Doria, who is expected to challenge him in the 2022 presidential election.

Doria has been pushing to start vaccinating his state from January 25 with CoronaVac, which has begun to be made locally by Sao Paulo's Butantan Institute.

Bolsonaro, though, has consistently tried to discredit "Doria's Chinese vaccine" even though his government is due to purchase millions of CoronaVac doses.

"Traditionally in Brazil infectious diseases were always managed and coordinated centrally, with great results," said Urbaez.

"The national plan will only work when everyone, federal and state governments, agree... Every backward step costs us weeks of immunizations."

Brazil prides itself on its world-leading immunization experts, medical institutions and vaccine research, but President Jair Bolsonaro's government has been accused of having a chaotic plan to inoculate against Covid-19.

Brazil prides itself on its world-leading immunization experts, medical institutions and vaccine research, but President Jair Bolsonaro's government has been accused of having a chaotic plan to inoculate against Covid-19. Bolsonaro finally launched a mass immunization campaign on Wednesday that aims to vaccinate 70 percent of the population within 16 months, but the president has been accused of repeatedly sabotaging his own program. On Thursday he released 20 billion reais ($3.9 billion) to buy vaccine doses in a country that has already lost more than 184,000 people to the coronavirus -- the second highest national total in the world. Later that day, the government announced that daily deaths had risen above 1,000 for the first time since September. Analysts say the country took too long to formulate an immunization plan, lacked a precise start date and has no clear vaccine purchase and distribution strategy. Bolsonaro, who caught the virus in July and once described it as "a little cold," announced he would not be getting an injection himself. And he mocked the potential side-effects of the vaccine type developed by US pharmaceutical giant Pfizer and German biotechnology company BioNTech, which has already been rolled out in the US and Britain. "In the Pfizer contract it's very clear: 'we're not responsible for any side effects.' If you turn into a crocodile, it's your problem," Bolsonaro said on Thursday. "If you become superhuman, if a woman starts to grow a beard or if a man starts to speak with an effeminate voice, they will not have anything to do with it," he said, referring to the drug manufacturers. It seems to be having an effect: according to a poll by Datafolha, the number of people prepared to be vaccinated from Covid-19 fell from 89 percent in August to 73 percent in December. Bolsonaro said the vaccine wouldn't be mandatory, but the Supreme Court contradicted him -- adding though that no-one could be "forced" to take it. - 'Missed the train' - The government is negotiating the purchase of 350 million doses of coronavirus vaccines for 2021. The figure includes 210 million of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine that is largely made in Brazil by the Fiocruz institute, 70 million of Pfizer's vaccine and another 42 million of the one produced by the international conglomerate Covaz. However, none of those, nor the CoronaVac produced by Chinese laboratory Sinovac, which is being tested in Sao Paulo, have yet asked the regulatory agency Anvisa for emergency use authorization -- which they will need before they can start vaccinating. "Bolsonaro has lost a lot of time with his denials, with his political battles with state governors over quarantine measures, with his campaign against the vaccine and it being mandatory," Jose David Urbaez, from the Brazilian Infectiology Society, told AFP. "To start a program like this you need to have negotiated with the pharmaceutical companies a long time ago" and organized buying syringes, the cold chain and the human resources needed, he added. For Luiz Gustavo de Almeida, a microbiologist at the University of Sao Paulo, Brazil "missed the first train" of Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna vaccines delivered to the US. "They'll have to wait for the second train when the government will finally be able to acquire vaccines and that won't be until March, April or May 2021. Those who aren't priorities probably won't start receiving them until 2022." The government says it expects to vaccinate the most at-risk groups in four months -- once it has approval for a vaccine. - 'Disastrous results' - Bolsonaro is also embroiled in a public spat over vaccines with Sao Paulo state governor Joao Doria, who is expected to challenge him in the 2022 presidential election. Doria has been pushing to start vaccinating his state from January 25 with CoronaVac, which has begun to be made locally by Sao Paulo's Butantan Institute. Bolsonaro, though, has consistently tried to discredit "Doria's Chinese vaccine" even though his government is due to purchase millions of CoronaVac doses. "Traditionally in Brazil infectious diseases were always managed and coordinated centrally, with great results," said Urbaez. "The national plan will only work when everyone, federal and state governments, agree... Every backward step costs us weeks of immunizations."

Bolsonaro under fire over Brazil's troubled vaccine roll-out

Deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon surged again over the past year, hitting a 12-year high, according to official figures released Monday that drew a chorus of condemnation of President Jair Bolsonaro's government.

A total of 11,088 square kilometers (4,281 square miles) of forest was destroyed in Brazil's share of the world's biggest rainforest in the 12 months to August, according to the Brazilian space agency's PRODES monitoring program, which analyzes satellite images to track deforestation.

That is equivalent to an area larger than Jamaica, and was a 9.5-per cent increase from the previous year, when deforestation also hit a more than decade-long high.

Also read|<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/losses-for-bolsonaro-wins-for-center-right-in-brazil-local-polls-346375">&nbsp;Losses for Bolsonaro, wins for center-right in Brazil local polls</a>

"Because of such deforestation, Brazil is probably the only major greenhouse gas emitter that managed to increase its emissions in the year the coronavirus pandemic paralyzed the global economy," said the Brazilian Climate Observatory, a coalition of environmental groups.

Forests such as the Amazon play a vital role in controlling climate change because they suck carbon from the atmosphere. However, when trees die or burn, they release their carbon back into the environment.

Bolsonaro, a far-right climate-change skeptic, has presided over rising deforestation and wildfires since taking office in January 2019.

His government is pushing to open protected lands to mining and agribusiness, and has slashed funding for environmental protection programs.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazilian-president-jair-bolsonaro-alleges-lot-of-fraud-in-us-election-2020-346316">Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro alleges 'lot of fraud' in US election 2020</a>

Environmentalists say those policies fuel the destruction of the Amazon, about 60 percent of which is in Brazil.

"The Bolsonaro government's vision of development for the Amazon is a throwback to the rampant deforestation of the past. It's a regressive vision that's far from the effort needed to deal with the climate crisis," Greenpeace spokeswoman Cristiane Mazzetti said in a statement.

Vice President Hamilton Mourao, who presented the figures in a press conference, defended the government's committment to fighting deforestation.

"The message I bring in the name of President Bolsonaro is that we will continue working with science and technology to support the work of environmental protection agencies," said Mourao, a retired army general who heads Bolsonaro's Amazon task force.

The latest annual deforestation figure was the highest since 2008, when 12,911 square kilometers of forest were destroyed in the Brazilian Amazon.

Deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon surged again over the past year, hitting a 12-year high, according to official figures released Monday that drew a chorus of condemnation of President Jair Bolsonaro's government.

Deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon surged again over the past year, hitting a 12-year high, according to official figures released Monday that drew a chorus of condemnation of President Jair Bolsonaro's government. A total of 11,088 square kilometers (4,281 square miles) of forest was destroyed in Brazil's share of the world's biggest rainforest in the 12 months to August, according to the Brazilian space agency's PRODES monitoring program, which analyzes satellite images to track deforestation. That is equivalent to an area larger than Jamaica, and was a 9.5-per cent increase from the previous year, when deforestation also hit a more than decade-long high. Also read| Losses for Bolsonaro, wins for center-right in Brazil local polls "Because of such deforestation, Brazil is probably the only major greenhouse gas emitter that managed to increase its emissions in the year the coronavirus pandemic paralyzed the global economy," said the Brazilian Climate Observatory, a coalition of environmental groups. Forests such as the Amazon play a vital role in controlling climate change because they suck carbon from the atmosphere. However, when trees die or burn, they release their carbon back into the environment. Bolsonaro, a far-right climate-change skeptic, has presided over rising deforestation and wildfires since taking office in January 2019. His government is pushing to open protected lands to mining and agribusiness, and has slashed funding for environmental protection programs. Also read| Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro alleges 'lot of fraud' in US election 2020 Environmentalists say those policies fuel the destruction of the Amazon, about 60 percent of which is in Brazil. "The Bolsonaro government's vision of development for the Amazon is a throwback to the rampant deforestation of the past. It's a regressive vision that's far from the effort needed to deal with the climate crisis," Greenpeace spokeswoman Cristiane Mazzetti said in a statement. Vice President Hamilton Mourao, who presented the figures in a press conference, defended the government's committment to fighting deforestation. "The message I bring in the name of President Bolsonaro is that we will continue working with science and technology to support the work of environmental protection agencies," said Mourao, a retired army general who heads Bolsonaro's Amazon task force. The latest annual deforestation figure was the highest since 2008, when 12,911 square kilometers of forest were destroyed in the Brazilian Amazon.

Deforestation in Brazil's Amazon skyrockets to 12-year high under Bolsonaro

Far-right President Jair Bolsonaro's candidates suffered further defeats Sunday and the traditional center-right emerged stronger in municipal runoff elections seen as a gauge of where things stand in Brazilian politics ahead of presidential polls in 2022.

Brazil's biggest cities, Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, both elected experienced center-right mayors — incumbent Bruno Covas and returning veteran Eduardo Paes, respectively — as the candidates endorsed by Bolsonaro were roundly defeated, according to full official results.

The Brazilian left meanwhile continued to struggle to bounce back from the damaging impeachment of president Dilma Rousseff in 2016 and the jailing of her predecessor, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, on corruption charges — the events that paved the way for Bolsonaro's "conservative wave."

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazilian-president-jair-bolsonaro-alleges-lot-of-fraud-in-us-election-2020-346316">Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro alleges 'lot of fraud' in US election 2020</a>

The runoff elections "confirmed what we'd already seen in the first-round vote (on November 15): a defeat for Bolsonaro's camp," said political scientist Leonardo Avritzer of the Federal University of Minas Gerais.

"The left meanwhile continues to have enormous difficulties."

For the first time in its history, Lula's and Rousseff's Workers' Party (PT) failed to win a single mayoral race in Brazil's 26 state capitals.

Traditional parties to the center and right meanwhile consolidated the comeback they made in the first round, including Sao Paulo Mayor Covas's Brazilian Social Democracy Party (PSDB) and Rio mayor-elect Paes's Democrats (DEM).

Bolsonaro, the politician known as the "Tropical Trump," will for his part have to work to bolster his position before his expected reelection bid, analysts said.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-elects-mayors-with-eyes-on-presidential-race-345767">Brazil elects mayors, with eyes on presidential race</a>

"Bolsonaro showed little political capacity as a leader," said political scientist Flavia Biroli of the University of Brasilia.

"The center-right and right came out as winners, but that is not the same as the Bolsonaro right," she told AFP.

Against 'politics of hate'

Covas and Paes both took aim at Bolsonaro in their victory speeches.

Covas, a 40-year-old cancer survivor tasked with handling one of the world's biggest coronavirus outbreaks, called his win a victory for "science and moderation."

That was seen as a veiled jab at Bolsonaro's polarizing style and controversial handling of Covid-19, which the president has downplayed as a "little flu" even as it has killed more than 172,000 people in Brazil, the second-highest death toll worldwide, after the United States.

Covas had to fend off what looked at times to be a tough challenge from leftist activist turned politician Guilherme Boulos, hailed by progressives as the new face of the Brazilian left.

However, the result was not close in the end: Covas won 59 per cent of the vote in Latin America's biggest city, to 41 per cent for Boulos.

The incumbent received warm congratulations from his predecessor and mentor, Sao Paulo state Governor Joao Doria, a top contender to challenge Bolsonaro for the presidency.

In Rio, Paes condemned the "politics of hate" associated with both Bolsonaro and the candidate the president backed, Evangelical pastor and incumbent Mayor Marcelo Crivella.

"The results of extremism, hate and division have been good for no one," said Paes, who was previously Rio mayor from 2009 to 2016.

Paes won with 64 per cent of the vote to 36 per cent for Crivella.

The other runoff candidate backed by Bolsonaro, police reserve captain Wagner Sousa Gomes, also lost in the northeastern city of Fortaleza.

Bolsonaro candidates routed

The municipal polls, which are essentially Brazil's midterm elections, bore the indelible mark of the pandemic.

The soaring death toll and the economic crisis that has ensued were central issues.

Brazil's 148 million voters were electing mayors and city councils in 5,569 municipalities, with runoffs held in 57 cities.

In other closely watched races, another rising left-wing star, Manuela D'Avila of the Communist Party of Brazil, lost to centrist candidate Sebastiao Melo in the southern city of Porto Alegre.

In the northeastern city of Recife, scene of a left-wing family feud pitting two cousins against each other, Joao Campos of the center-left Brazilian Socialist Party (PSB) defeated Marilia Arraes of the PT.

Bolsonaro, who currently has no political party — but must choose one to stand in 2022 — meanwhile got bleak results for his candidates.

Just two of the 13 mayoral candidates he endorsed won, and nine of 45 city council candidates.

Far-right President Jair Bolsonaro's candidates suffered further defeats Sunday and the traditional center-right emerged stronger in municipal runoff elections seen as a gauge of where things stand in Brazilian politics ahead of presidential polls in 2022.

Far-right President Jair Bolsonaro's candidates suffered further defeats Sunday and the traditional center-right emerged stronger in municipal runoff elections seen as a gauge of where things stand in Brazilian politics ahead of presidential polls in 2022. Brazil's biggest cities, Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, both elected experienced center-right mayors — incumbent Bruno Covas and returning veteran Eduardo Paes, respectively — as the candidates endorsed by Bolsonaro were roundly defeated, according to full official results. The Brazilian left meanwhile continued to struggle to bounce back from the damaging impeachment of president Dilma Rousseff in 2016 and the jailing of her predecessor, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, on corruption charges — the events that paved the way for Bolsonaro's "conservative wave." Also read| Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro alleges 'lot of fraud' in US election 2020 The runoff elections "confirmed what we'd already seen in the first-round vote (on November 15): a defeat for Bolsonaro's camp," said political scientist Leonardo Avritzer of the Federal University of Minas Gerais. "The left meanwhile continues to have enormous difficulties." For the first time in its history, Lula's and Rousseff's Workers' Party (PT) failed to win a single mayoral race in Brazil's 26 state capitals. Traditional parties to the center and right meanwhile consolidated the comeback they made in the first round, including Sao Paulo Mayor Covas's Brazilian Social Democracy Party (PSDB) and Rio mayor-elect Paes's Democrats (DEM). Bolsonaro, the politician known as the "Tropical Trump," will for his part have to work to bolster his position before his expected reelection bid, analysts said. Also read| Brazil elects mayors, with eyes on presidential race "Bolsonaro showed little political capacity as a leader," said political scientist Flavia Biroli of the University of Brasilia. "The center-right and right came out as winners, but that is not the same as the Bolsonaro right," she told AFP. Against 'politics of hate' Covas and Paes both took aim at Bolsonaro in their victory speeches. Covas, a 40-year-old cancer survivor tasked with handling one of the world's biggest coronavirus outbreaks, called his win a victory for "science and moderation." That was seen as a veiled jab at Bolsonaro's polarizing style and controversial handling of Covid-19, which the president has downplayed as a "little flu" even as it has killed more than 172,000 people in Brazil, the second-highest death toll worldwide, after the United States. Covas had to fend off what looked at times to be a tough challenge from leftist activist turned politician Guilherme Boulos, hailed by progressives as the new face of the Brazilian left. However, the result was not close in the end: Covas won 59 per cent of the vote in Latin America's biggest city, to 41 per cent for Boulos. The incumbent received warm congratulations from his predecessor and mentor, Sao Paulo state Governor Joao Doria, a top contender to challenge Bolsonaro for the presidency. In Rio, Paes condemned the "politics of hate" associated with both Bolsonaro and the candidate the president backed, Evangelical pastor and incumbent Mayor Marcelo Crivella. "The results of extremism, hate and division have been good for no one," said Paes, who was previously Rio mayor from 2009 to 2016. Paes won with 64 per cent of the vote to 36 per cent for Crivella. The other runoff candidate backed by Bolsonaro, police reserve captain Wagner Sousa Gomes, also lost in the northeastern city of Fortaleza. Bolsonaro candidates routed The municipal polls, which are essentially Brazil's midterm elections, bore the indelible mark of the pandemic. The soaring death toll and the economic crisis that has ensued were central issues. Brazil's 148 million voters were electing mayors and city councils in 5,569 municipalities, with runoffs held in 57 cities. In other closely watched races, another rising left-wing star, Manuela D'Avila of the Communist Party of Brazil, lost to centrist candidate Sebastiao Melo in the southern city of Porto Alegre. In the northeastern city of Recife, scene of a left-wing family feud pitting two cousins against each other, Joao Campos of the center-left Brazilian Socialist Party (PSB) defeated Marilia Arraes of the PT. Bolsonaro, who currently has no political party — but must choose one to stand in 2022 — meanwhile got bleak results for his candidates. Just two of the 13 mayoral candidates he endorsed won, and nine of 45 city council candidates.

Losses for Bolsonaro, wins for center-right in Brazil local polls

Showing his true support and friendship towards the US outgoing president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>, the Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has alleged that there was "a lot of fraud"&nbsp;in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/us-election">US elections</a>.&nbsp;

The accusation was made by Bolsonaro on Sunday while he was talking to the reporters after casting a ballot in municipal races.&nbsp;

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dont-be-embarrassing-czech-president-asks-donald-trump-to-step-down-344233">'Don't be embarrassing': Czech President asks Donald Trump to step down</a>

"I have my sources of information that there really was a lot of fraud there," he said. "Nobody talks about that. If it was enough to define (victory) for one or the other, I don't know."

This statement by Bolsonaro has come after Donald Trump has refused to concede to the President-elect&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>'s historic win.&nbsp;The accusation made by Bolsonaro echoes Trump's campaign. The outgoing President has been alleging voter fraud from his opponent for the last few weeks now. Trump has been challenging the election result with various legal cases, the majority of which he lost. However, he has refused to give up and concede. "It's not like you're gonna change my mind. My mind will not change in six months," he recently said in an interview with a local national TV.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-still-refuses-to-budge-from-election-fraud-claims-346310">Donald Trump still refuses to budge from election fraud claims</a>

"This election was rigged. This election was a total fraud," he claimed, without providing any proof. "We won the election easily."

While many world leaders have come ahead and congratulated Biden, Bolsonaro said he will be waiting for a while before reaching out to the Democratic President-elect. "I am holding back a little more," he said.

Bolsonaro expressed his concern for the alleged US election voter fraud simply to support his argument against the electronic voting system that will be used in the 2022 Brazilian presidential elections. He has been urging leaders and people to go back to the paper ballot system for the 2022 elections, and now he has used Trump's allegations to further his own motives.

Donald Trump has not yet reacted to this rare support he has received from a world leader since the election results. He has been keeping off the grid since Biden's win was announced, and leaders flocked to congratulate him and his Vice President-elect Kamala Harris. Trump's lawyers have been busy filing legal challenges against the election result in various states — leading to defeat in those too.

Showing his true support and friendship towards the US outgoing president Donald Trump, the Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has alleged that there was "a lot of fraud" in the US elections.

Showing his true support and friendship towards the US outgoing president Donald Trump, the Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has alleged that there was "a lot of fraud" in the US elections. The accusation was made by Bolsonaro on Sunday while he was talking to the reporters after casting a ballot in municipal races. Also read| 'Don't be embarrassing': Czech President asks Donald Trump to step down "I have my sources of information that there really was a lot of fraud there," he said. "Nobody talks about that. If it was enough to define (victory) for one or the other, I don't know." This statement by Bolsonaro has come after Donald Trump has refused to concede to the President-elect Joe Biden's historic win. The accusation made by Bolsonaro echoes Trump's campaign. The outgoing President has been alleging voter fraud from his opponent for the last few weeks now. Trump has been challenging the election result with various legal cases, the majority of which he lost. However, he has refused to give up and concede. "It's not like you're gonna change my mind. My mind will not change in six months," he recently said in an interview with a local national TV. Also read| Donald Trump still refuses to budge from election fraud claims "This election was rigged. This election was a total fraud," he claimed, without providing any proof. "We won the election easily." While many world leaders have come ahead and congratulated Biden, Bolsonaro said he will be waiting for a while before reaching out to the Democratic President-elect. "I am holding back a little more," he said. Bolsonaro expressed his concern for the alleged US election voter fraud simply to support his argument against the electronic voting system that will be used in the 2022 Brazilian presidential elections. He has been urging leaders and people to go back to the paper ballot system for the 2022 elections, and now he has used Trump's allegations to further his own motives. Donald Trump has not yet reacted to this rare support he has received from a world leader since the election results. He has been keeping off the grid since Biden's win was announced, and leaders flocked to congratulate him and his Vice President-elect Kamala Harris. Trump's lawyers have been busy filing legal challenges against the election result in various states — leading to defeat in those too.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro alleges 'lot of fraud' in US election 2020

Brazil votes Sunday in municipal runoff elections marked by the coronavirus pandemic that&nbsp;will give a preview of where its political players stand going into 2022, when far-right President Jair Bolsonaro is up for reelection.

Bolsonaro upended Brazilian politics when he stormed to victory in the 2018 presidential race, but the so-called "Tropical Trump" looks more vulnerable after the first-round municipal vote on November 15, when just a handful of the candidates he endorsed won.

"As Trump would say, 'He supported a bunch of losers,'" said political scientist David Fleischer of the University of Brasilia.

As a result of that and other factors -- including Donald Trump's own election loss in the US -- Bolsonaro "isn't in too good shape for 2022," Fleischer told AFP.

The second-round vote -- in which 57 cities will decide their mayors, including Brazil's biggest, Sao Paulo -- will now give a clearer picture of the political state of play in Latin America's largest economy and where the top challenges to Bolsonaro may come from.

- Emerging contenders -

In Sao Paulo, Brazil's economic capital, centrist incumbent Bruno Covas faces leftist challenger Guilherme Boulos, a leader of the Homeless Workers' Movement (MTST).

Covas, 40, won the first round with 33 percent to 20 percent for Boulos, and had an eight-point lead going into the runoff, according to polling firm Datafolha.

But Boulos, 38, who is running for the upstart Socialism and Liberty Party (PSOL), has momentum.

He came from behind in the first round to beat both Bolsonaro's candidate and a leftist rival from the more-established Workers' Party (PT).

Young and charismatic, he is being called the new face of the Brazilian left, which is still reeling from the 2016 impeachment of President Dilma Rousseff and the jailing of ex-president and PT founder Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on corruption charges.

However, Covas, a cancer survivor, has a powerful backer in Sao Paulo governor Joao Doria, his predecessor and mentor, a top contender to challenge Bolsonaro for the presidency.

In Rio de Janeiro, Brazil's second city, opinion polls indicate incumbent Mayor Marcelo Crivella, an Evangelical pastor and Bolsonaro ally, is set to lose in a landslide to ex-mayor Eduardo Paes of the right-wing Democrats (DEM).

Other races to watch include the northeastern city of Recife -- scene of a literal family feud on the left between cousins Joao Campos of the center-left Brazilian Socialist Party (PSB) and Marilia Arraes of the PT -- and the southern city of Porto Alegre.

There, another rising left-wing star, Manuela D'Avila of the Communist Party of Brazil, faces&nbsp;centrist candidate Sebastiao Melo, in a city rocked by violent protests last week after two white security guards killed a black customer at a supermarket.

- Bolsonaro bruised -

The elections bear the indelible imprint of the pandemic, which has killed more people in Brazil than any country except the United States.

Local governments in Brazil, like state governments, have extensive power in health policy -- including in deciding how to respond to the pandemic.

Due to the health crisis, the elections were postponed by six weeks, and the campaign between the first and second rounds halved to two weeks.

Analysts said that likely weakened candidates such as Boulos, whose poll numbers were rising.

The pandemic and resulting economic crisis also contributed to the poor showing for Bolsonaro's candidates, analysts say.

Of the 13 candidates he endorsed for mayor, just two won, with two more reaching the runoff -- Crivella and police reserve captain Wagner Sousa Gomes in the northeastern city of Fortaleza.

Bolsonaro, who currently has no political party, managed to get just nine of the 45 city council candidates he backed elected.

Traditional conservative parties, meanwhile, emerged stronger.

"Traditional parties to the center and center-right reclaimed the space they had lost to Bolsonaro and the far-right," said&nbsp;Marjorie Marona, a political scientist at the Federal University of Minas Gerais.

The message from the first-round vote appears to be that "Bolsonaro isn't the phenomenon people thought he was," said political analyst Michael Mohallem of the Getulio Vargas Foundation.

"If that initial reading is right, he's going to have a hard time winning reelection."

Brazil votes Sunday in municipal runoff elections marked by the coronavirus pandemic that will give a preview of where its political players stand going into 2022, when far-right President Jair Bolsonaro is up for reelection.

Brazil votes Sunday in municipal runoff elections marked by the coronavirus pandemic that will give a preview of where its political players stand going into 2022, when far-right President Jair Bolsonaro is up for reelection. Bolsonaro upended Brazilian politics when he stormed to victory in the 2018 presidential race, but the so-called "Tropical Trump" looks more vulnerable after the first-round municipal vote on November 15, when just a handful of the candidates he endorsed won. "As Trump would say, 'He supported a bunch of losers,'" said political scientist David Fleischer of the University of Brasilia. As a result of that and other factors -- including Donald Trump's own election loss in the US -- Bolsonaro "isn't in too good shape for 2022," Fleischer told AFP. The second-round vote -- in which 57 cities will decide their mayors, including Brazil's biggest, Sao Paulo -- will now give a clearer picture of the political state of play in Latin America's largest economy and where the top challenges to Bolsonaro may come from. - Emerging contenders - In Sao Paulo, Brazil's economic capital, centrist incumbent Bruno Covas faces leftist challenger Guilherme Boulos, a leader of the Homeless Workers' Movement (MTST). Covas, 40, won the first round with 33 percent to 20 percent for Boulos, and had an eight-point lead going into the runoff, according to polling firm Datafolha. But Boulos, 38, who is running for the upstart Socialism and Liberty Party (PSOL), has momentum. He came from behind in the first round to beat both Bolsonaro's candidate and a leftist rival from the more-established Workers' Party (PT). Young and charismatic, he is being called the new face of the Brazilian left, which is still reeling from the 2016 impeachment of President Dilma Rousseff and the jailing of ex-president and PT founder Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on corruption charges. However, Covas, a cancer survivor, has a powerful backer in Sao Paulo governor Joao Doria, his predecessor and mentor, a top contender to challenge Bolsonaro for the presidency. In Rio de Janeiro, Brazil's second city, opinion polls indicate incumbent Mayor Marcelo Crivella, an Evangelical pastor and Bolsonaro ally, is set to lose in a landslide to ex-mayor Eduardo Paes of the right-wing Democrats (DEM). Other races to watch include the northeastern city of Recife -- scene of a literal family feud on the left between cousins Joao Campos of the center-left Brazilian Socialist Party (PSB) and Marilia Arraes of the PT -- and the southern city of Porto Alegre. There, another rising left-wing star, Manuela D'Avila of the Communist Party of Brazil, faces centrist candidate Sebastiao Melo, in a city rocked by violent protests last week after two white security guards killed a black customer at a supermarket. - Bolsonaro bruised - The elections bear the indelible imprint of the pandemic, which has killed more people in Brazil than any country except the United States. Local governments in Brazil, like state governments, have extensive power in health policy -- including in deciding how to respond to the pandemic. Due to the health crisis, the elections were postponed by six weeks, and the campaign between the first and second rounds halved to two weeks. Analysts said that likely weakened candidates such as Boulos, whose poll numbers were rising. The pandemic and resulting economic crisis also contributed to the poor showing for Bolsonaro's candidates, analysts say. Of the 13 candidates he endorsed for mayor, just two won, with two more reaching the runoff -- Crivella and police reserve captain Wagner Sousa Gomes in the northeastern city of Fortaleza. Bolsonaro, who currently has no political party, managed to get just nine of the 45 city council candidates he backed elected. Traditional conservative parties, meanwhile, emerged stronger. "Traditional parties to the center and center-right reclaimed the space they had lost to Bolsonaro and the far-right," said Marjorie Marona, a political scientist at the Federal University of Minas Gerais. The message from the first-round vote appears to be that "Bolsonaro isn't the phenomenon people thought he was," said political analyst Michael Mohallem of the Getulio Vargas Foundation. "If that initial reading is right, he's going to have a hard time winning reelection."

Brazil elects mayors, with eyes on presidential race

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has faced mounting criticism over inaction in the Amazon rainforest, where illegal felling of trees has increased recently, especially during the pandemic.

During a BRICS summit, Bolsonaro said that in the coming days, his government will name countries involved in the import of wood which is extracted illegally from the rainforest.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/brazilian-president-bolsonaro-sparks-outrage-over-his-homophobic-statement-342293" hreflang="en">Brazilian President Bolsonaro sparks outrage over his homophobic statement</a>

Bolsonaro was speaking at the BRICS summit - a block of developing economies - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

According to the Brazilian President, local police had come up with a way to track wood exported from the Amazon using isotopes.

Data suggests that deforestation in the “Earth’s lungs” - or the Amazon rainforest has increased under the right-wing Bolsonaro. He has urged for increased mining, farming, and economic development. Additionally, he undermined the role of forest fires.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/how-trump-and-bolsonaro-broke-latin-americas-covid-19-defenses-338261" hreflang="en">How Trump and Bolsonaro broke Latin America’s COVID-19 defenses</a>

While addressing the BRICS nation states - China, Russia, South Africa, and Russia, Bolsonaro launched an attack on multilateral forums. He also defended reforms in the World Trade Organization as well as the World Health Organization.

Bolsonaro has infamously downplayed the intensity of COVID-19, even after catching it himself. He has also vocally rejected WHO’s social distancing guidelines.&nbsp;

According to him, the pandemic and the economic crisis ought to be addressed together.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has faced mounting criticism over inaction in the Amazon rainforest, where illegal felling of trees has increased recently, especially during the pandemic.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has faced mounting criticism over inaction in the Amazon rainforest, where illegal felling of trees has increased recently, especially during the pandemic. During a BRICS summit, Bolsonaro said that in the coming days, his government will name countries involved in the import of wood which is extracted illegally from the rainforest. Also read: Brazilian President Bolsonaro sparks outrage over his homophobic statement Bolsonaro was speaking at the BRICS summit - a block of developing economies - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. According to the Brazilian President, local police had come up with a way to track wood exported from the Amazon using isotopes. Data suggests that deforestation in the “Earth’s lungs” - or the Amazon rainforest has increased under the right-wing Bolsonaro. He has urged for increased mining, farming, and economic development. Additionally, he undermined the role of forest fires. Also read: How Trump and Bolsonaro broke Latin America’s COVID-19 defenses While addressing the BRICS nation states - China, Russia, South Africa, and Russia, Bolsonaro launched an attack on multilateral forums. He also defended reforms in the World Trade Organization as well as the World Health Organization. Bolsonaro has infamously downplayed the intensity of COVID-19, even after catching it himself. He has also vocally rejected WHO’s social distancing guidelines. According to him, the pandemic and the economic crisis ought to be addressed together.

Brazil will track illegal Amazon wood exports using isotopes: Bolsonaro at BRICS summit

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