As the world is now relying on the&nbsp;Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, the Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has decided to not show complete trust in this vaccine.

Bolsonaro, who has often termed COVID-19 as just "a little flu", believes the vaccines should not be trusted and has claimed he will not be getting vaccinated.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolsonaro-under-fire-over-brazils-troubled-vaccine-roll-out-350890">Bolsonaro under fire over Brazil's troubled vaccine roll-out</a>

Voicing his concern over the vaccine, he reminded everyone that the company has denied taking responsibility of any side effects caused by the vaccine. "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," he claimed.

"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 continued scaring the people.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazils-supreme-court-paves-way-for-sanctions-against-covid-anti-vaxxers-350797">Brazil’s Supreme Court paves way for sanctions against COVID anti-vaxxers</a>

His statement has come at a time when the UK, US and several other countries have started mass vaccination drives. Brazil's&nbsp;regulatory agency Anvisa, too, will soon be certifying the vaccine, as per local reports.&nbsp;

Brazil's Supreme Court recently also ordered the vaccine to be obligatory. However, it also ruled that this vaccine can not be "forced" on Brazilians, which means that while people cannot be forced to take the vaccine, they can surely be banned from certain places or fine people who fail to get vaccinated.

Also see|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/brazil-president-jair-bolsonaro-and-his-non-normal-antics-314020">Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro and his 'non-normal' antics</a>

The mass vaccination drive will be free of cost in Brazil, Bolsonaro reported in the last week while launching&nbsp;the immunization campaign on Wednesday.

While the world is showing trust in the vaccine, despite few hiccups, Bolsonaro has decided to stay away from the needle. "It will be available for everyone that wants it. But me, I won't get vaccinated," he said.

Jair Bolsonaro, who supported Donald Trump's claims of finding cures for te novel coronavirus, had also tested positive for the deadly a few months back.

As of now, Brazil has reported nearly 7.1 million cases with nearly 185,000 deaths from March till December. The country is not in a lockdown anymore, but citizens are advised to practice social distancing and wear face masks when stepping outdoors.

As the world is now relying on the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, the Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has decided to not show complete trust in this vaccine.

As the world is now relying on the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, the Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has decided to not show complete trust in this vaccine. Bolsonaro, who has often termed COVID-19 as just "a little flu", believes the vaccines should not be trusted and has claimed he will not be getting vaccinated. Also read| Bolsonaro under fire over Brazil's troubled vaccine roll-out Voicing his concern over the vaccine, he reminded everyone that the company has denied taking responsibility of any side effects caused by the vaccine. "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," he claimed. "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 continued scaring the people. Also read| Brazil’s Supreme Court paves way for sanctions against COVID anti-vaxxers His statement has come at a time when the UK, US and several other countries have started mass vaccination drives. Brazil's regulatory agency Anvisa, too, will soon be certifying the vaccine, as per local reports. Brazil's Supreme Court recently also ordered the vaccine to be obligatory. However, it also ruled that this vaccine can not be "forced" on Brazilians, which means that while people cannot be forced to take the vaccine, they can surely be banned from certain places or fine people who fail to get vaccinated. Also see| Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro and his 'non-normal' antics The mass vaccination drive will be free of cost in Brazil, Bolsonaro reported in the last week while launching the immunization campaign on Wednesday. While the world is showing trust in the vaccine, despite few hiccups, Bolsonaro has decided to stay away from the needle. "It will be available for everyone that wants it. But me, I won't get vaccinated," he said. Jair Bolsonaro, who supported Donald Trump's claims of finding cures for te novel coronavirus, had also tested positive for the deadly a few months back. As of now, Brazil has reported nearly 7.1 million cases with nearly 185,000 deaths from March till December. The country is not in a lockdown anymore, but citizens are advised to practice social distancing and wear face masks when stepping outdoors.

Women may grow beard after taking Pfizer vaccine: Jair Bolsonaro

The eldest son of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro says he's tested positive for coronavirus and is in isolation with no symptoms.

Senator Flavio&nbsp;Bolsonaro&nbsp;is the fourth member of President Jair Bolsonaro's direct family infected by&nbsp;coronavirus. The president, first lady Michelle Bolsonaro and Jair Renan Bolsonaro, another son, have tested positive for the coronavirus.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/journalists-are-wimps-more-likely-to-die-of-coronavirus-says-brazils-bolsonaro-322872" hreflang="en">Journalists are 'wimps'; more likely to die of coronavirus, says Brazil's Bolsonaro</a>

The Brazilian president has downplayed the severity of the virus, arguing against restrictions on economic activity he claims will prove far more damaging than the disease.

His approach to the pandemic runs counter to most recommendations by health experts.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/brazil-president-jair-bolsonaro-and-his-non-normal-antics-314020">Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro and his 'non-normal' antics</a>

Flavio Bolsonaro says he's being treated with azithromycin and chloroquine, an anti-malarial drug touted both by Brazil's president and by US&nbsp;President Donald Trump, despite clinical trials that found it ineffective or even dangerous.

Several members of Bolsonaro's staff have tested positive, among them eight Cabinet members.

Brazil has 3.6 million confirmed cases and more than 115,000 deaths, second in the world only to the United States.

The eldest son of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro says he's tested positive for coronavirus and is in isolation with no symptoms. Senator Flavio Bolsonaro is the fourth member of President Jair Bolsonaro's direct family infected by coronavirus.

The eldest son of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro says he's tested positive for coronavirus and is in isolation with no symptoms. Senator Flavio Bolsonaro is the fourth member of President Jair Bolsonaro's direct family infected by coronavirus. The president, first lady Michelle Bolsonaro and Jair Renan Bolsonaro, another son, have tested positive for the coronavirus. Also read: Journalists are 'wimps'; more likely to die of coronavirus, says Brazil's Bolsonaro The Brazilian president has downplayed the severity of the virus, arguing against restrictions on economic activity he claims will prove far more damaging than the disease. His approach to the pandemic runs counter to most recommendations by health experts. Also see: Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro and his 'non-normal' antics Flavio Bolsonaro says he's being treated with azithromycin and chloroquine, an anti-malarial drug touted both by Brazil's president and by US President Donald Trump, despite clinical trials that found it ineffective or even dangerous. Several members of Bolsonaro's staff have tested positive, among them eight Cabinet members. Brazil has 3.6 million confirmed cases and more than 115,000 deaths, second in the world only to the United States.

Eldest son of Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro tests positive for coronavirus

Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro and his 'non-normal' antics

The Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been underplaying the novel coronavirus since the start of it. He has always maintained that the pandemic is 'just a virus'.&nbsp;

Now, weeks after recovering for the coronavirus, his wife, Michelle Bolsonaro, has tested positive. However, Jair Bolsonaro still feels that there is nothing to worry about and Brazilians should just&nbsp;"face up to it".

"I'm in the high-risk group," the 65-year-old president told journalists during a visit to the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazils-first-lady-tests-positive-for-covid-19-317123">Also read:&nbsp;Brazil's first lady tests positive for COVID-19</a>

"I knew I was going to catch it someday, as I think unfortunately nearly everyone here is going to catch it eventually. What are you afraid of? Face up to it," he said.

"I regret the deaths. But people die every day, from lots of things. That's life," he added.

Bolsonaro, after recovering from the novel coronavirus,&nbsp;was seen addressing a crowd recently where he greeted the attendees by removing his face mask. The same day, the President's House officials announced that Michelle Bolsonaro has tested positive for coronvairus weeks after her husband did.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-president-bolsonaro-says-he-has-mold-in-lungs-317263">Also read:&nbsp;Brazil President Bolsonaro says he has 'mold' in lungs</a>

However, the Brazilian President still feels that this is 'just a flu' that can be dealt with easily. Protesting against the 'stay-at-home' campaign,&nbsp;he is instead pushing the drug hydroxychloroquine as a treatment for the virus. he also claimed to take it himself when he was infected, despite numerous studies claiming it has no benefit against COVID-19.

On Friday he also reported that he has been again feeling low and is on medication for&nbsp;"moldy lungs" which have been apparently caused due to his inactivity during his quarantine — when he was spotted feeding, and being attacked by, birds and was also seen riding motorcycles.

The Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been underplaying the novel coronavirus since the start of it. He has always maintained that the pandemic is 'just a virus'.

The Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been underplaying the novel coronavirus since the start of it. He has always maintained that the pandemic is 'just a virus'. Now, weeks after recovering for the coronavirus, his wife, Michelle Bolsonaro, has tested positive. However, Jair Bolsonaro still feels that there is nothing to worry about and Brazilians should just "face up to it". "I'm in the high-risk group," the 65-year-old president told journalists during a visit to the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul. Also read: Brazil's first lady tests positive for COVID-19 "I knew I was going to catch it someday, as I think unfortunately nearly everyone here is going to catch it eventually. What are you afraid of? Face up to it," he said. "I regret the deaths. But people die every day, from lots of things. That's life," he added. Bolsonaro, after recovering from the novel coronavirus, was seen addressing a crowd recently where he greeted the attendees by removing his face mask. The same day, the President's House officials announced that Michelle Bolsonaro has tested positive for coronvairus weeks after her husband did. Also read: Brazil President Bolsonaro says he has 'mold' in lungs However, the Brazilian President still feels that this is 'just a flu' that can be dealt with easily. Protesting against the 'stay-at-home' campaign, he is instead pushing the drug hydroxychloroquine as a treatment for the virus. he also claimed to take it himself when he was infected, despite numerous studies claiming it has no benefit against COVID-19. On Friday he also reported that he has been again feeling low and is on medication for "moldy lungs" which have been apparently caused due to his inactivity during his quarantine — when he was spotted feeding, and being attacked by, birds and was also seen riding motorcycles.

'People die every day': Jair Bolsonaro asks Brazilians to 'face up to' coronavirus

Brazil's president Jair Bolsonaro has contracted coronavirus but&nbsp;he is still living in an alternate reality.&nbsp;

Bolsonaro for months downplayed the severity of this virus and&nbsp;once called it "a little flu" but he just won't come to terms with&nbsp;reality. He took off his mask to convince reporters that he was alright.

There's a reason he is called the "Trump of the Tropics" after all Jair Bolsonaro emulates his political role model Donald Trump. The Brazilian president&nbsp;has been in&nbsp;a state of denial over the&nbsp;pandemic just like Trump.

Throughout the COVID-19&nbsp;crisis, Bolsonaro has been as sceptical about the virus as the US President. He put his own life at risk by holding numerous anti-lockdown rallies.

Bolsonaro&nbsp;didn't wear a mask and&nbsp;took selfies, ate hot-dogs and shook hands. He was convinced that he was immune to the virus. The reasons he gave were quite ambitious for a 65-year-old.&nbsp;

Bolsonaro said he was not at risk of getting infected because he was an athlete.&nbsp;

He said his history as an athlete was on his side, however, he ended up making history. He is among the few global leaders to have been infected.

He once said: "People died in Brazil because they did not visit hospitals."

"People died because of the fear of the virus", he added.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The hypocrisy in his statements has been&nbsp;astounding while follows his role model Donald Trump and takes&nbsp;hydroxychloroquine.

The anti-malarial drug that Donald Trump has been swearing on. Bolsonaro has taken the endorsement to the next level. He recorded a video of himself taking a dose of HCQ.

Dealing with experts is another issue. Trump trashed his scientific advisers. Bolsonaro sacked health ministry officials. Trump expressed sympathy towards anti-lockdown protesters and&nbsp;Bolsonaro joined their protest rallies. Trump's America is the worst-hit nation and&nbsp;Bolsonaro's Brazil is a close second.

Trump's self-obsession has&nbsp;led America to disaster. Bolsonaro's populism has done the same thing in Brazil. Two presidents with the blood of their citizens on their hands.

Brazil's president Jair Bolsonaro has contracted coronavirus but he is still living in an alternate reality. Bolsonaro for months downplayed the severity of this virus and once called it "a little flu" but he just won't come to terms with reality.

Brazil's president Jair Bolsonaro has contracted coronavirus but he is still living in an alternate reality. Bolsonaro for months downplayed the severity of this virus and once called it "a little flu" but he just won't come to terms with reality. He took off his mask to convince reporters that he was alright. There's a reason he is called the "Trump of the Tropics" after all Jair Bolsonaro emulates his political role model Donald Trump. The Brazilian president has been in a state of denial over the pandemic just like Trump. Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, Bolsonaro has been as sceptical about the virus as the US President. He put his own life at risk by holding numerous anti-lockdown rallies. Bolsonaro didn't wear a mask and took selfies, ate hot-dogs and shook hands. He was convinced that he was immune to the virus. The reasons he gave were quite ambitious for a 65-year-old. Bolsonaro said he was not at risk of getting infected because he was an athlete. He said his history as an athlete was on his side, however, he ended up making history. He is among the few global leaders to have been infected. He once said: "People died in Brazil because they did not visit hospitals." "People died because of the fear of the virus", he added. The hypocrisy in his statements has been astounding while follows his role model Donald Trump and takes hydroxychloroquine. The anti-malarial drug that Donald Trump has been swearing on. Bolsonaro has taken the endorsement to the next level. He recorded a video of himself taking a dose of HCQ. Dealing with experts is another issue. Trump trashed his scientific advisers. Bolsonaro sacked health ministry officials. Trump expressed sympathy towards anti-lockdown protesters and Bolsonaro joined their protest rallies. Trump's America is the worst-hit nation and Bolsonaro's Brazil is a close second. Trump's self-obsession has led America to disaster. Bolsonaro's populism has done the same thing in Brazil. Two presidents with the blood of their citizens on their hands.

Brazil President Bolsonaro emulates Trump on being in denial over COVID-19

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has threatened to pull out of the WHO over "ideological bias," and criticized the World Health Organization for suspending clinical trials of the drug hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19 -- a decision it reversed this week -- and threatened to follow in Trump's footsteps by quitting.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has threatened to pull out of the WHO over "ideological bias," and criticized the World Health Organization for suspending clinical trials of the drug hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19 -- a decision it reversed this week -- and threatened to follow in Trump's footsteps by quitting. Latin America is battered by the epidemic, especially Brazil which now has the world's third-highest number of virus deaths. "I'm telling you right now, the United States left the WHO, and we're studying that, in the future. Either the WHO works without ideological bias, or we leave, too," the far-right leader told journalists. Dubbed the "Tropical Trump," Bolsonaro has followed the US president in his handling of the pandemic, downplaying its severity, attacking stay-at-home measures and touting the purported effects of hydroxychloroquine against COVID-19. The WHO had suspended trials of hydroxychloroquine after major studies raised concerns about its safety and effectiveness -- irking Trump, who even took the drug himself as a preventive measure.

Brazil threatens to quit WHO over 'ideological bias'

Brazilians were shocked on Friday after a Supreme Court judge released a video at the centre of an investigation targeting the far-right leader Jair Bolsonaro. The expletive-laced meeting between President Jair Bolsonaro and his cabinet on April 22 is under scrutiny by prosecutors probing allegations by former justice minister Sergio Moro that Bolsonaro tried to interfere in federal police investigations.

Brazilians were shocked on Friday after a Supreme Court judge released a video at the centre of an investigation targeting the far-right leader Jair Bolsonaro. The expletive-laced meeting between President Jair Bolsonaro and his cabinet on April 22 is under scrutiny by prosecutors probing allegations by former justice minister Sergio Moro that Bolsonaro tried to interfere in federal police investigations. But it could prove just as damaging to Bolsonaro's 18-month-old government for other sordid details it contains, the report added. The video includes the president using profanity to insult governors, the education minister calling to throw Supreme Court justices in jail and the environment minister urging the government to legalize mining and farming in the Amazon rainforest while the world is distracted by the coronavirus pandemic. The video came to light when Moro resigned two days after the meeting. In a damaging final press conference, the then-justice minister, a popular anti-corruption crusader, accused Bolsonaro of "political interference" in the federal police. Police are reportedly investigating multiple cases involving Bolsonaro and his inner circle, including allegations that his son Carlos, a Rio de Janeiro city councilor, oversaw a fake-news campaign to benefit his father. (With inputs from AFP)

Brazilian President Bolsonaro rocked by release of expletive-laced video

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro attacked the lockdown measures taken by some governors to contain the spread of the virus as the country's death toll passed 15,000 on Saturday due to novel coronavirus.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro attacked the lockdown measures taken by some governors to contain the spread of the virus as the country's death toll passed 15,000 on Saturday due to novel coronavirus. The number of infections in Brazil topped 230,000, making it the country with the fourth-highest number of cases in the world. With 15,633 deaths and 233,142 confirmed cases, Brazil -- whose president has dismissed the disease as a "little flu" -- is at the epicenter of infections in Latin America. Experts say under-testing means the real figures could be 15 times higher or more, and warn the worst is yet to come. The South American country registered 816 deaths and 14,919 new cases in the past 24 hours. "Unemployment, hunger and misery will be the future of those who support the tyranny of total isolation," the far-right president tweeted, a day after Health Minister Nelson Teich resigned after less than a month on the job. The president insists business closures and stay-at-home orders are unnecessarily damaging the economy. The pandemic has already claimed almost 310,000 lives worldwide.

Brazil's coronavirus death toll tops 15,000 as Bolsonaro attacks lockdown measures

Brazil is struggling to handle&nbsp;the&nbsp;rising number&nbsp;of dead bodies due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The country which is the hardest-hit country in Latin America, registered a daily record of 13,944 new cases on Thursday, bringing its total to 202,918 confirmed cases of the virus and 13,933 deaths since the outbreak began, according to health ministry data.

Brazil’s failure to provide enough hospital beds for the surging number of critical coronavirus patients is yielding increasingly grim results across the country, but particularly in Manaus, a city of 2 million people on the Amazon River deep in the rainforest.

More than 2,000 people died in Manaus in April, more than four times the monthly average. Now, the city is running out of coffins. Hundreds are dying at home, either because they can’t get treatment at the hospitals or because they fear they won’t.&nbsp;

Brazil's Sao Paulo state is building thousands of vertical funeral plots in order to meet the demand caused by the surge in coronavirus victims.

Heber Vila, director of Evolution Technology Funderaria, the company that manufactures these vertical cemeteries, said the plots being constructed of recyclable materials are safe as it prevents any type of contact between cemetery visitors in the form of liquids or gases from the body.

An estimated 13,000 vertical plots are being built in three cemeteries in Sao Paulo state, one of the areas in Brazil hardest-hit by the COVID-19 outbreak.

The impact of the virus on Sao Paulo prompted Gov. Joao Doria to repeat his stance of gradually easing lockdown restrictions, although President Jair Bolsonaro has complained that the lockdown measures to contain the spread of the virus have hurt the economy.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has&nbsp;frequently swum against the tide of scientific opinion since the crisis broke out, first by playing down the threat of the virus and by focusing on the country's&nbsp;economies despite rising cases.

Brazil is struggling to handle the rising number of dead bodies due to the coronavirus pandemic. The country which is the hardest-hit country in Latin America, registered a daily record of 13,944 new cases on Thursday, bringing its total to 202,918 confirmed cases of the virus and 13,933 deaths since the outbreak began, according to health ministry data.

Brazil is struggling to handle the rising number of dead bodies due to the coronavirus pandemic. The country which is the hardest-hit country in Latin America, registered a daily record of 13,944 new cases on Thursday, bringing its total to 202,918 confirmed cases of the virus and 13,933 deaths since the outbreak began, according to health ministry data. Brazil’s failure to provide enough hospital beds for the surging number of critical coronavirus patients is yielding increasingly grim results across the country, but particularly in Manaus, a city of 2 million people on the Amazon River deep in the rainforest. More than 2,000 people died in Manaus in April, more than four times the monthly average. Now, the city is running out of coffins. Hundreds are dying at home, either because they can’t get treatment at the hospitals or because they fear they won’t. Brazil's Sao Paulo state is building thousands of vertical funeral plots in order to meet the demand caused by the surge in coronavirus victims. Heber Vila, director of Evolution Technology Funderaria, the company that manufactures these vertical cemeteries, said the plots being constructed of recyclable materials are safe as it prevents any type of contact between cemetery visitors in the form of liquids or gases from the body. An estimated 13,000 vertical plots are being built in three cemeteries in Sao Paulo state, one of the areas in Brazil hardest-hit by the COVID-19 outbreak. The impact of the virus on Sao Paulo prompted Gov. Joao Doria to repeat his stance of gradually easing lockdown restrictions, although President Jair Bolsonaro has complained that the lockdown measures to contain the spread of the virus have hurt the economy. Meanwhile, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has frequently swum against the tide of scientific opinion since the crisis broke out, first by playing down the threat of the virus and by focusing on the country's economies despite rising cases.

Brazil struggling to cope up with surge in dead bodies due to COVID-19

The press secretary of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, Fabio Wajngarten, who met US President Donald Trump a few days ago, has been tested positive for coronavirus.

Wajngarten had met Trump in Florida and was in close proximity with him according to sources.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-suspends-travel-from-europe-to-us-in-coronavirus-crisis-285714">Trump suspends travel from Europe to US in coronavirus crisis</a>

The Brazilian press secretary attended the dinner hosted by Trump at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. He also&nbsp;took a photo with the US President, Vice President Mike Pence,&nbsp;the sources said.

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B9c_wc3nFKT/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">“Make Brazil Great Again” @realdonaldtrump @mikepence @alvarogarnero 🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸</a>

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The White House said Donald Trump still has ''no plans'' to take a coronavirus test even though he’s come into contact with a Brazilian official&nbsp;who’s tested positive.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-pandemic-governments-across-the-world-shutting-down-offices-for-disinfection-286000">Coronavirus pandemic: Governments across the world shutting down offices for disinfection</a>

Others political figures who were exposed during Jair Bolsonaro’s visit to Florida, including two Republican senators, two Florida mayors, and the Miami motorcycle police officers who helped provide security for Bolsonaro, are now in voluntary quarantine.

Trump on Wednesday suspended travel from Europe to the United States for 30 days in a "tough" new effort to halt the spread of the novel coronavirus pandemic that has sparked a run on the stock market and is rapidly multiplying.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic.

Coronavirus, which originated in the Wuhan city of China, has so far spread to more than 100 countries infecting over 1,20,000 people.

The press secretary of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, Fabio Wajngarten, who met US President Donald Trump a few days ago, has been tested positive for coronavirus.

The press secretary of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, Fabio Wajngarten, who met US President Donald Trump a few days ago, has been tested positive for coronavirus. Wajngarten had met Trump in Florida and was in close proximity with him according to sources. Also read: Trump suspends travel from Europe to US in coronavirus crisis The Brazilian press secretary attended the dinner hosted by Trump at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. He also took a photo with the US President, Vice President Mike Pence, the sources said. View this post on Instagram “Make Brazil Great Again” @realdonaldtrump @mikepence @alvarogarnero 🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 A post shared by Fabio Wajngarten (@fabiowajngarten) on Mar 7, 2020 at 4:47pm PST × The White House said Donald Trump still has ''no plans'' to take a coronavirus test even though he’s come into contact with a Brazilian official who’s tested positive. Also read: Coronavirus pandemic: Governments across the world shutting down offices for disinfection Others political figures who were exposed during Jair Bolsonaro’s visit to Florida, including two Republican senators, two Florida mayors, and the Miami motorcycle police officers who helped provide security for Bolsonaro, are now in voluntary quarantine. Trump on Wednesday suspended travel from Europe to the United States for 30 days in a "tough" new effort to halt the spread of the novel coronavirus pandemic that has sparked a run on the stock market and is rapidly multiplying. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. Coronavirus, which originated in the Wuhan city of China, has so far spread to more than 100 countries infecting over 1,20,000 people.

COVID-19: Brazilian government aide who met US President Donald Trump tests positive

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-says-senseless-to-condemn-every-immigrant-as-threat-192833">Pope Francis</a> on Wednesday pleaded for social justice and environmental respect for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/deforestation-in-the-amazon-soars-to-record-numbers-in-11-years-263128">Amazon </a>basin, but failed to recommend the controversial idea of married priests.

In a highly anticipated text, Francis exhorted the faithful to "feel outrage" over exploitation of the indigenous and destruction of land devastated by illegal mining and deforestation.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/deforestation-in-the-amazon-soars-to-record-numbers-in-11-years-263128">Deforestation in the Amazon soars to record numbers in 11 years</a>

Notably absent in his text, however, was mention of priestly marriage, a controversial suggestion made by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/deforestation-in-the-amazon-soars-to-record-numbers-in-11-years-263128">Amazon </a>bishops during a three-week synod on the region last October as a way to increase the number of priests who could perform Mass in remote areas.&nbsp;Instead, the first Jesuit pope argued for women and missionaries to take larger, more important roles in the region and advocated for better training for priests to better interact with Amazonian cultures.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-pope-benedict-breaks-silence-on-celibacy-debate-after-synod-274001">Former Pope Benedict breaks silence on celibacy debate after synod</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-says-senseless-to-condemn-every-immigrant-as-threat-192833">Francis </a>has weighed in before on the hotly debated question of whether to allow married "men of proven virtue" to join the priesthood in remote locations, a suggestion that has aroused fierce opposition from traditionalists within the church.

In January 2019 Francis said he did not believe that optional celibacy should be allowed, while conceding "some possibilities for far flung places," a statement that opened the door to speculation that he might make an exception for the Amazon.&nbsp;

Pope Francis on Wednesday pleaded for social justice and environmental respect for the Amazon basin, but failed to recommend the controversial idea of married priests.

Pope Francis on Wednesday pleaded for social justice and environmental respect for the Amazon basin, but failed to recommend the controversial idea of married priests. In a highly anticipated text, Francis exhorted the faithful to "feel outrage" over exploitation of the indigenous and destruction of land devastated by illegal mining and deforestation. Also see: Deforestation in the Amazon soars to record numbers in 11 years Notably absent in his text, however, was mention of priestly marriage, a controversial suggestion made by Amazon bishops during a three-week synod on the region last October as a way to increase the number of priests who could perform Mass in remote areas. Instead, the first Jesuit pope argued for women and missionaries to take larger, more important roles in the region and advocated for better training for priests to better interact with Amazonian cultures. Also read: Former Pope Benedict breaks silence on celibacy debate after synod Francis has weighed in before on the hotly debated question of whether to allow married "men of proven virtue" to join the priesthood in remote locations, a suggestion that has aroused fierce opposition from traditionalists within the church. In January 2019 Francis said he did not believe that optional celibacy should be allowed, while conceding "some possibilities for far flung places," a statement that opened the door to speculation that he might make an exception for the Amazon.

Pope voices 'outrage' over Amazon basin exploitation

From Amazon fires to Venice floods: Climate change triggers a series of calamities worldwide

Extreme floods in Venice, fires in Australia and even an outbreak of plague in China have been attributed to climate change this week, while researchers have warned that global warming could saddle future generations with a life-long illness.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venice-devastated-by-second-highest-tide-in-history-261863">Venice declared a state of emergency</a> on Wednesday after "apocalyptic" floods swept through the lagoon city, flooding its historic basilica and inundating squares and centuries-old buildings.

"This is the result of climate change," city mayor Luigi Brugnaro said on Twitter.

City thoroughfares were turned into raging torrents, stone balustrades were shattered, boats tossed ashore and gondolas smashed against their moorings as the lagoon tide peaked at 187 cm (6ft 2ins).

It was the highest since the record 194 cm set in 1966, but rising water levels are becoming a regular threat to the tourist jewel.

"Venice is on its knees," said Brugnaro. "The damage will run into hundreds of millions of euros."

On the other side of the world, parts of Australia have been <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australians-shelter-and-flee-as-firefighters-battle-150-bushfires-261748">ravaged by wild bushfires</a> this week, with four people killed and communities forced to flee the flames.

Since 2016, parts of northern and inland New South Wales, along with southern Queensland, have been in a drought that the Bureau of Meteorology says is being driven, in part, by warmer sea-surface temperatures affecting rainfall patterns.

Air temperatures have also warmed over the past century, increasing the ferocity of droughts and fires.

But links between climate change and extreme weather events have become a political football in Australia.

The coal-industry supporting government accepts the need to cut emissions while arguing that stronger environmental action would cripple its economy.

That pits the country against its Pacific island neighbours which are particularly susceptible to warmer temperatures and rising seas.

Globally, concern about effective action has surged since US&nbsp;President Donald Trump abandoned the international Paris Accord on climate change and took steps to dismantle environmental protections.

Trump and Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro are among the world's only leaders who publicly question the science of climate change, despite devastating fires in their countries - in California and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/why-are-amazon-fires-so-damaging-and-how-can-we-stop-them-245735">Amazon basin</a> - that environmentalists at least partly blame on global warming.

While the politicians argue, the concern is growing about the impact on the health of a warmer world.

In China, health officials have reported a rare outbreak of pneumonic plague after two cases were confirmed this week in Beijing.

The two were infected in the province of Inner Mongolia, where rodent populations have expanded dramatically after persistent droughts, worsened by climate change, state media said.

An area the size of the Netherlands was hit by a "rat plague" last summer.

The wider implications for health are sobering.

The Lancet medical journal published a study this week saying climate change was already harming people's health by increasing the number of extreme weather events and exacerbating air pollution.

A warmer world brings risks of food shortages, infectious diseases, floods and extreme heat.

If nothing is done, the impacts could burden an entire generation with disease and illness throughout their lives, researchers said.

"Children are particularly vulnerable to the health risks of a changing climate. Their bodies and immune systems are still developing, leaving them more susceptible to disease and environmental pollutants," said Nick Watts, one of those who led the Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change study.

Health damage in early childhood is "persistent and pervasive", he warned, bringing lifelong consequences.

"Without immediate action from all countries to cut greenhouse gas emissions, gains in wellbeing and life expectancy will be compromised, and climate change will come to define the health of an entire generation," he told a London briefing.

Extreme floods in Venice, fires in Australia and even an outbreak of plague in China have been attributed to climate change this week, while researchers have warned that global warming could saddle future generations with a life-long illness.

Extreme floods in Venice, fires in Australia and even an outbreak of plague in China have been attributed to climate change this week, while researchers have warned that global warming could saddle future generations with a life-long illness. Venice declared a state of emergency on Wednesday after "apocalyptic" floods swept through the lagoon city, flooding its historic basilica and inundating squares and centuries-old buildings. "This is the result of climate change," city mayor Luigi Brugnaro said on Twitter. City thoroughfares were turned into raging torrents, stone balustrades were shattered, boats tossed ashore and gondolas smashed against their moorings as the lagoon tide peaked at 187 cm (6ft 2ins). It was the highest since the record 194 cm set in 1966, but rising water levels are becoming a regular threat to the tourist jewel. "Venice is on its knees," said Brugnaro. "The damage will run into hundreds of millions of euros." On the other side of the world, parts of Australia have been ravaged by wild bushfires this week, with four people killed and communities forced to flee the flames. Since 2016, parts of northern and inland New South Wales, along with southern Queensland, have been in a drought that the Bureau of Meteorology says is being driven, in part, by warmer sea-surface temperatures affecting rainfall patterns. Air temperatures have also warmed over the past century, increasing the ferocity of droughts and fires. But links between climate change and extreme weather events have become a political football in Australia. The coal-industry supporting government accepts the need to cut emissions while arguing that stronger environmental action would cripple its economy. That pits the country against its Pacific island neighbours which are particularly susceptible to warmer temperatures and rising seas. Globally, concern about effective action has surged since US President Donald Trump abandoned the international Paris Accord on climate change and took steps to dismantle environmental protections. Trump and Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro are among the world's only leaders who publicly question the science of climate change, despite devastating fires in their countries - in California and the Amazon basin - that environmentalists at least partly blame on global warming. While the politicians argue, the concern is growing about the impact on the health of a warmer world. In China, health officials have reported a rare outbreak of pneumonic plague after two cases were confirmed this week in Beijing. The two were infected in the province of Inner Mongolia, where rodent populations have expanded dramatically after persistent droughts, worsened by climate change, state media said. An area the size of the Netherlands was hit by a "rat plague" last summer. The wider implications for health are sobering. The Lancet medical journal published a study this week saying climate change was already harming people's health by increasing the number of extreme weather events and exacerbating air pollution. A warmer world brings risks of food shortages, infectious diseases, floods and extreme heat. If nothing is done, the impacts could burden an entire generation with disease and illness throughout their lives, researchers said. "Children are particularly vulnerable to the health risks of a changing climate. Their bodies and immune systems are still developing, leaving them more susceptible to disease and environmental pollutants," said Nick Watts, one of those who led the Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change study. Health damage in early childhood is "persistent and pervasive", he warned, bringing lifelong consequences. "Without immediate action from all countries to cut greenhouse gas emissions, gains in wellbeing and life expectancy will be compromised, and climate change will come to define the health of an entire generation," he told a London briefing.

Flood, fire and plague: climate change blamed for disasters

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro said on Friday he is considering deploying the army to help combat fires in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/now-ireland-may-block-eu-mercosur-deal-over-amazon-fire-245087">Amazon rainforest</a>, amid growing international pressure over the wildfires.

The fires raging in parts of the world's largest rainforest have sparked protests around the world, ignited a war of words between Bolsonaro and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron, and threatened a blockbuster trade deal with the European Union.

The latest official figures show 76,720 forest fires were recorded in Brazil so far this year - the highest number for any year since 2013. More than half are in the Amazon.

"The tendency is that," Bolsonaro told reporters in Brazil's capital Brasilia when asked if he was considering sending the army to fight the fires.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="http://13.235.153.162/videos/amazons-mura-tribe-vows-to-protect-sacred-land-245065/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

A decision would be made Friday morning, he added.

Bolsonaro's remarks come as demonstrations are held around the world over the fires in the Amazon forest, a region considered the "lungs of the planet" and seen as crucial to keeping climate change in check.&nbsp;

Protests are planned in Brazil's major cities later on Friday.&nbsp;

In an escalating public row over the blazes, Macron on Friday accused Bolsonaro of lying to him on Brazil's stance on climate change.&nbsp;

France would now block a trade deal between the European Union and the South American trade bloc Mercosur, which includes Brazil, a French presidential official said.&nbsp;

Macron had tweeted Thursday that fires burning in the Amazon amount to an international crisis and should be discussed as a top priority when the G7 countries meet this weekend in France.

Bolsonaro then blasted Macron for having a "colonialist mentality."

Ireland also threatened to block the trade deal if Brazil failed to curb the fires, Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said Friday.

"The extent of the fires in the Amazon area is shocking and threatening and not only for Brazil and the other affected countries, but also for the whole world," German Chancellor Angela Merkel's spokesman said Friday.

Environmental specialists say the fires have accompanied a rapid rate of deforestation in the Amazon region, which in July quadrupled compared to the same month in 2018, according to data from Brazil's National Institute for Space Research.

Bolsonaro instead attributes the fires to increased drought, and accuses environmental groups and NGOs of whipping up an "environmental psychosis" to harm Brazil's economic interests.

Neighboring Peru, which contains much of the Amazon basin, announced it was "on alert" for wildfires spreading from neighboring Brazil and Bolivia.

Paraguay and Bolivia are battling separate wildfires that have devastated large areas of their rainforests.

amj/ch

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro said on Friday he is considering deploying the army to help combat fires in the Amazon rainforest, amid growing international pressure over the wildfires.

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro said on Friday he is considering deploying the army to help combat fires in the Amazon rainforest, amid growing international pressure over the wildfires. The fires raging in parts of the world's largest rainforest have sparked protests around the world, ignited a war of words between Bolsonaro and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron, and threatened a blockbuster trade deal with the European Union. The latest official figures show 76,720 forest fires were recorded in Brazil so far this year - the highest number for any year since 2013. More than half are in the Amazon. "The tendency is that," Bolsonaro told reporters in Brazil's capital Brasilia when asked if he was considering sending the army to fight the fires. A decision would be made Friday morning, he added. Bolsonaro's remarks come as demonstrations are held around the world over the fires in the Amazon forest, a region considered the "lungs of the planet" and seen as crucial to keeping climate change in check. Protests are planned in Brazil's major cities later on Friday. In an escalating public row over the blazes, Macron on Friday accused Bolsonaro of lying to him on Brazil's stance on climate change. France would now block a trade deal between the European Union and the South American trade bloc Mercosur, which includes Brazil, a French presidential official said. Macron had tweeted Thursday that fires burning in the Amazon amount to an international crisis and should be discussed as a top priority when the G7 countries meet this weekend in France. Bolsonaro then blasted Macron for having a "colonialist mentality." Ireland also threatened to block the trade deal if Brazil failed to curb the fires, Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said Friday. "The extent of the fires in the Amazon area is shocking and threatening and not only for Brazil and the other affected countries, but also for the whole world," German Chancellor Angela Merkel's spokesman said Friday. Environmental specialists say the fires have accompanied a rapid rate of deforestation in the Amazon region, which in July quadrupled compared to the same month in 2018, according to data from Brazil's National Institute for Space Research. Bolsonaro instead attributes the fires to increased drought, and accuses environmental groups and NGOs of whipping up an "environmental psychosis" to harm Brazil's economic interests. Neighboring Peru, which contains much of the Amazon basin, announced it was "on alert" for wildfires spreading from neighboring Brazil and Bolivia. Paraguay and Bolivia are battling separate wildfires that have devastated large areas of their rainforests. amj/ch

Brazil President Bolsonaro mulls deploying army to combat Amazon fires

Under Brazil's Jair Bolsonaro rule, Amazon deforestation rising towards unrecoverable 'tipping point'

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro on Wednesday came out in support of <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/brazil-football-star-neymar-denies-alleged-rape-in-paris-223567&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj24YC4lNTiAhXV8XMBHR-WAPEQFjAAegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1Gal34Xe0xHyopI9hK4uXr">Neymar</a>, the national soccer star who has been accused of raping a woman last month in Paris, an allegation he denies.

"Today I'm supposed to be at the game between Brazil and Qatar," said Bolsonaro at an event in the city of Aragarças. "I hope to hug Neymar. He is a boy who is in a difficult moment but I believe in him."

A woman accused Neymar, 27, of raping her at a Paris hotel last month, according to a police report seen by Reuters at the weekend.

Sao Paulo police are investigating the accusation.

Following media reports on the matter, <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/neymar-accused-of-raping-woman-in-paris-reports-223525&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj24YC4lNTiAhXV8XMBHR-WAPEQFjACegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3MRCBKR6GhesGWxuOREp0N">Neymar </a>posted a long video on Instagram in which he denied the accusations against him, said he was a victim of extortion, and shared WhatsApp messages with the alleged victim, including racy photos he had received.

That led police in Rio de Janeiro to open a fresh investigation into whether he had committed a crime by posting the intimate pictures online.

The Brazilian national soccer team is preparing for the Copa America - a tournament played by South America's 10 national teams - plus invitees Japan and Qatar, kicking off on June 14.

Bolsonaro added that Neymar retained his support ahead of Wednesday night's game.

"<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/photos/depression-injuries-rape-allegation-and-more-heres-a-look-back-at-neymars-difficult-season-224188&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj24YC4lNTiAhXV8XMBHR-WAPEQFjABegQIDhAB&amp;usg=AOvVaw230Bb8nVXjUwcXYa-Kd-_w">Neymar</a>, tonight, we're together, you're going to score two goals," the president said.

Bolsonaro spent nearly three decades in Congress before being elected president last year.

In 2003, he pushed Congresswoman Maria do Rosario of the leftist Workers Party and told her that he "would never rape you because you do not deserve it" and because she was "very ugly."

Bolsonaro repeated the comment in 2014 in the chamber and was convicted on a charge of inciting rape last year.

In February, Supreme Court Justice Marco Aurelio Mello ordered Bolsonaro to pay a fine of 10,000 reais ($2,577.78) to Rosario.

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro on Wednesday came out in support of Neymar, the national soccer star who has been accused of raping a woman last month in Paris, an allegation he denies.

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro on Wednesday came out in support of Neymar, the national soccer star who has been accused of raping a woman last month in Paris, an allegation he denies. "Today I'm supposed to be at the game between Brazil and Qatar," said Bolsonaro at an event in the city of Aragarças. "I hope to hug Neymar. He is a boy who is in a difficult moment but I believe in him." A woman accused Neymar, 27, of raping her at a Paris hotel last month, according to a police report seen by Reuters at the weekend. Sao Paulo police are investigating the accusation. Following media reports on the matter, Neymar posted a long video on Instagram in which he denied the accusations against him, said he was a victim of extortion, and shared WhatsApp messages with the alleged victim, including racy photos he had received. That led police in Rio de Janeiro to open a fresh investigation into whether he had committed a crime by posting the intimate pictures online. The Brazilian national soccer team is preparing for the Copa America - a tournament played by South America's 10 national teams - plus invitees Japan and Qatar, kicking off on June 14. Bolsonaro added that Neymar retained his support ahead of Wednesday night's game. "Neymar, tonight, we're together, you're going to score two goals," the president said. Bolsonaro spent nearly three decades in Congress before being elected president last year. In 2003, he pushed Congresswoman Maria do Rosario of the leftist Workers Party and told her that he "would never rape you because you do not deserve it" and because she was "very ugly." Bolsonaro repeated the comment in 2014 in the chamber and was convicted on a charge of inciting rape last year. In February, Supreme Court Justice Marco Aurelio Mello ordered Bolsonaro to pay a fine of 10,000 reais ($2,577.78) to Rosario.

Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro defends Neymar against rape accusation

Thousands of supporters of far-right President Jair Bolsonaro took to the streets across Brazil Sunday in a protest seen as a gauge of the embattled leader's popularity only five months into his term.

Waving Brazilian flags and chanting Bolsonaro's nickname "Mito" or "Myth," protesters wearing T-shirts emblazoned with "My party is Brazil" demanded lawmakers speed up approval of the government's signature pension reform, which has stalled in Congress.

His supporters blamed "satanic manoeuvres" by the head of the lower house, Rodrigo Maia, for stalling the reform.

Bolsonaro, who was in Rio for a family wedding and had previously announced that he would not to take part in the demonstrations, shared pictures and videos of the protests on Twitter.

"Most of the people came out on the streets with legitimate, democratic concerns," he tweeted.&nbsp;

Former paratrooper Geralmir dos Santos gathered with the thousands of noisy protesters along Rio de Janeiro's Copacabana beach.

"Politicians have to understand that Brazil does not belong to them," the 50-year-old told AFP.

At a demonstration in Brazil's biggest city of Sao Paulo, Andre Santos told AFP, "There's no point wasting more time, they have to approve it."

The protests, organized by Bolsonaro's most hard-line supporters, are aimed at shoring up the ultraconservative government as it faces growing opposition.&nbsp;

Tens of thousands of students and teachers took to the streets on May 15 to protest against the government's plans to freeze 30 per cent of discretionary spending for public universities in the second half of the year.

Rising unemployment, slowing economic growth and deepening discord within his administration has further eroded Bolsonaro's popularity since taking power in January.

His controversial order earlier this month permitting millions of Brazilians to carry loaded weapons in public has fuelled anger, sparked a legal challenge and added to his woes in Congress, where his relations with key leaders such as Maia had already deteriorated.

'Help our president'&nbsp;

Bolsonaro's ambitious overhaul of Brazil's pension system -- which he has warned will bankrupt the country if his proposal is not approved -- is seen as key to getting a pipeline of economic policies through Congress.&nbsp;

But the changes to Brazil's retirement age and benefits are facing resistance in the lower house of Congress, where Bolsonaro's ultraconservative Social Liberal Party has only around 10 per cent of the seats.&nbsp;

Economy minister Paulo Guedes, who is spearheading the government's reform agenda, threatened Friday to resign if the pension bill was not passed or was watered down.

"We will not have money to pay officials, it will be chaos in the public sector," Guedes told Veja magazine. "Reform is urgent."

The government's proposal is designed to yield savings of around one trillion reais (roughly $250 billion) over a decade, but analysts expect the actual amount will be more like 500-700 billion reais by the time the bill is approved later this year.

The pension bill is one of several economic reforms seen as crucial to helping Brazil reduce its massive public debt burden, which the International Monetary Fund said Friday was 88 per cent of GDP -- one of the largest among its peers.

Official data this week is expected to show that Latin America's biggest economy, which is still struggling to recover from the devastating 2015-2016 recession, contracted in the first quarter.&nbsp;

Some of the protesters in Rio called for "military intervention" as in 1964 when a military coup ushered in decades of army rule in Brazil.

Others expressed more sober demands, such as "Let's help our president rebuild our Brazil."&nbsp;

"I am here for the pension reform, which will be good for the poor," said Janelsa Salomao, 59, in Rio.&nbsp;"Those who do not want it are corrupt."&nbsp;

Thousands of supporters of far-right President Jair Bolsonaro took to the streets across Brazil Sunday in a protest seen as a gauge of the embattled leader's popularity only five months into his term.

Thousands of supporters of far-right President Jair Bolsonaro took to the streets across Brazil Sunday in a protest seen as a gauge of the embattled leader's popularity only five months into his term. Waving Brazilian flags and chanting Bolsonaro's nickname "Mito" or "Myth," protesters wearing T-shirts emblazoned with "My party is Brazil" demanded lawmakers speed up approval of the government's signature pension reform, which has stalled in Congress. His supporters blamed "satanic manoeuvres" by the head of the lower house, Rodrigo Maia, for stalling the reform. Bolsonaro, who was in Rio for a family wedding and had previously announced that he would not to take part in the demonstrations, shared pictures and videos of the protests on Twitter. "Most of the people came out on the streets with legitimate, democratic concerns," he tweeted. Former paratrooper Geralmir dos Santos gathered with the thousands of noisy protesters along Rio de Janeiro's Copacabana beach. "Politicians have to understand that Brazil does not belong to them," the 50-year-old told AFP. At a demonstration in Brazil's biggest city of Sao Paulo, Andre Santos told AFP, "There's no point wasting more time, they have to approve it." The protests, organized by Bolsonaro's most hard-line supporters, are aimed at shoring up the ultraconservative government as it faces growing opposition. Tens of thousands of students and teachers took to the streets on May 15 to protest against the government's plans to freeze 30 per cent of discretionary spending for public universities in the second half of the year. Rising unemployment, slowing economic growth and deepening discord within his administration has further eroded Bolsonaro's popularity since taking power in January. His controversial order earlier this month permitting millions of Brazilians to carry loaded weapons in public has fuelled anger, sparked a legal challenge and added to his woes in Congress, where his relations with key leaders such as Maia had already deteriorated. 'Help our president' Bolsonaro's ambitious overhaul of Brazil's pension system -- which he has warned will bankrupt the country if his proposal is not approved -- is seen as key to getting a pipeline of economic policies through Congress. But the changes to Brazil's retirement age and benefits are facing resistance in the lower house of Congress, where Bolsonaro's ultraconservative Social Liberal Party has only around 10 per cent of the seats. Economy minister Paulo Guedes, who is spearheading the government's reform agenda, threatened Friday to resign if the pension bill was not passed or was watered down. "We will not have money to pay officials, it will be chaos in the public sector," Guedes told Veja magazine. "Reform is urgent." The government's proposal is designed to yield savings of around one trillion reais (roughly $250 billion) over a decade, but analysts expect the actual amount will be more like 500-700 billion reais by the time the bill is approved later this year. The pension bill is one of several economic reforms seen as crucial to helping Brazil reduce its massive public debt burden, which the International Monetary Fund said Friday was 88 per cent of GDP -- one of the largest among its peers. Official data this week is expected to show that Latin America's biggest economy, which is still struggling to recover from the devastating 2015-2016 recession, contracted in the first quarter. Some of the protesters in Rio called for "military intervention" as in 1964 when a military coup ushered in decades of army rule in Brazil. Others expressed more sober demands, such as "Let's help our president rebuild our Brazil." "I am here for the pension reform, which will be good for the poor," said Janelsa Salomao, 59, in Rio. "Those who do not want it are corrupt."

Thousands of pro-Bolsonaro protesters demand reforms in Brazil

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday reaffirmed that "all options" are being considered in his drive to bring down Venezuela's socialist President Nicolas Maduro.

"All options are on the table," he told reporters in the White House. "It's a shame what's happening in Venezuela —&nbsp;the debt and the destruction and the hunger."

Trump spoke at a meeting where he hosted <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolsonaro-compliments-trump-who-replies-brazil-could-join-nato-204420">Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro</a>, who has backed the US-led campaign to pressure Maduro.

In response, the Venezuelan foreign ministry accused Trump and Bolsonaro of being apologists for war, and described their statements as "dangerous" and a "threat to international peace and security."

"No neofascist alliance will succeed in overcoming the independent and sovereign will of the Venezuelan people, nor will it succeed in its aim to spread hatred and war strategies," it said.

The United States and more than 50 other countries, including Brazil, recognize opposition leader Juan Guaido, the head of the National Assembly, as Venezuela's rightful president.

The White House said Trump would also discuss the Venezuela crisis with Caribbean leaders —&nbsp;including from the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica and Saint Lucia —&nbsp;at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida on Friday.&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday reaffirmed that "all options" are being considered in his drive to bring down Venezuela's socialist President Nicolas Maduro.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday reaffirmed that "all options" are being considered in his drive to bring down Venezuela's socialist President Nicolas Maduro. "All options are on the table," he told reporters in the White House. "It's a shame what's happening in Venezuela — the debt and the destruction and the hunger." Trump spoke at a meeting where he hosted Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, who has backed the US-led campaign to pressure Maduro. In response, the Venezuelan foreign ministry accused Trump and Bolsonaro of being apologists for war, and described their statements as "dangerous" and a "threat to international peace and security." "No neofascist alliance will succeed in overcoming the independent and sovereign will of the Venezuelan people, nor will it succeed in its aim to spread hatred and war strategies," it said. The United States and more than 50 other countries, including Brazil, recognize opposition leader Juan Guaido, the head of the National Assembly, as Venezuela's rightful president. The White House said Trump would also discuss the Venezuela crisis with Caribbean leaders — including from the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica and Saint Lucia — at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida on Friday.

Trump again says US considering 'all options' on Venezuela

President Donald Trump heaped praise Tuesday on right-wing Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro —&nbsp;and received plenty back —&nbsp;in announcing a special relationship that he said could even see the Latin American country join NATO.

At a joint news conference on the sun-soaked Rose Garden lawn, Trump and the man dubbed "Trump of the Tropics" let the mutual compliments flow.

"I have always admired the United States of America. And this sense of admiration has just increased after you took office and the presidency," Bolsonaro said.

Trump, stressing Brazil's partnership in the US-led campaign to force hard-left Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro from power, said Bolsonaro was "doing a fantastic job" and had "brought the country together."

For years Bolsonaro was little more than a marginal congressman, but his Trump-like campaign in 2018, promising to combat corruption and crime, and to end politics as usual, propelled him to surprise victory.

His hard-right views, including frequent expressions of support for Brazil's past period of military rule, horrified the left and drove deep divisions in Latin America's biggest nation.

But at the press conference, his condemnation of what he called "fake news" -- opponents say he is referring merely to critical reports -- and references to deeply conservative social values pleased Trump.

"We have many views that are similar," Trump said.

Brazil in NATO? 
Trump spent much of the news conference discussing efforts to squeeze Venezuela's authorities, which he warned could face many more sanctions than those already imposed in an attempt to cripple the government's finances.

Brazil, which shares a long border with Venezuela, is important in the strategy. In Bolsonaro, an ex-soldier who idolizes the former leaders of Brazil's anti-communist military dictatorship, Trump has a ready ally against Maduro.

In return, Bolsonaro got one of the main items on his wish list: agreement for Brazil to be given NATO privileges. This "major non-NATO ally" status would ease Brazil's access to US weaponry and other military links.

But in the sunny spirit of the occasion, Trump then went much further, stretching the diplomatic and geographical possibilities to a degree that surprised many.

"I also intend to designate Brazil as a major non-NATO ally or even possibly, if you start thinking about it, maybe a NATO ally," Trump announced.

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization already has 29 countries. None are from Latin America and none, like Brazil, are located in the South Atlantic.

"I have to talk to a lot of people," Trump said of his idea.

Longterm relationship 
Washington has had strained relations with Brazil's long string of leftist governments but the rise of Bolsonaro, who talks enthusiastically of combating socialists and communists, has opened a new door for the Trump administration.

A Trump-Bolsonaro bonding matters for Venezuela and for Washington's push back against growing Chinese economic influence in South America.

It could also have large-scale implications for the future of efforts to slow or reverse global warming: Brazil is home to much of the threatened Amazon rainforest and Bolsonaro, like Trump, is a climate change skeptic.

Trump has withdrawn the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement, an international deal on cutting carbon emissions. Bolsonaro is toying with following suit.

On Monday, Bolsonaro signed an agreement with US companies on technical safeguards to allow commercial satellite launches from Brazil's Alcantara base. But there are still major sticking points between the two countries, especially on trade, with Trump wanting Brazil to open up to more US products.

Whether what a White House official called a new north-south "axis" prospers may depend mostly on the personal relationship between its leaders.

For sure, the White House reception left Bolsonaro -- until last year a virtual unknown on the international stage -- expecting a long friendship.

Asked if he would manage to have equally close ties if a Democrat prevented Republican Trump's reelection in 2020, Bolsonaro said: "I do believe Donald Trump will be reelected fully."

Trump interrupted him -- just to show yet again that they were on the same wavelength.

"Thank you. I agree," he said.

President Donald Trump heaped praise Tuesday on right-wing Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro — and received plenty back — in announcing a special relationship that he said could even see the Latin American country join NATO.

President Donald Trump heaped praise Tuesday on right-wing Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro — and received plenty back — in announcing a special relationship that he said could even see the Latin American country join NATO. At a joint news conference on the sun-soaked Rose Garden lawn, Trump and the man dubbed "Trump of the Tropics" let the mutual compliments flow. "I have always admired the United States of America. And this sense of admiration has just increased after you took office and the presidency," Bolsonaro said. Trump, stressing Brazil's partnership in the US-led campaign to force hard-left Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro from power, said Bolsonaro was "doing a fantastic job" and had "brought the country together." For years Bolsonaro was little more than a marginal congressman, but his Trump-like campaign in 2018, promising to combat corruption and crime, and to end politics as usual, propelled him to surprise victory. His hard-right views, including frequent expressions of support for Brazil's past period of military rule, horrified the left and drove deep divisions in Latin America's biggest nation. But at the press conference, his condemnation of what he called "fake news" -- opponents say he is referring merely to critical reports -- and references to deeply conservative social values pleased Trump. "We have many views that are similar," Trump said. Brazil in NATO? Trump spent much of the news conference discussing efforts to squeeze Venezuela's authorities, which he warned could face many more sanctions than those already imposed in an attempt to cripple the government's finances. Brazil, which shares a long border with Venezuela, is important in the strategy. In Bolsonaro, an ex-soldier who idolizes the former leaders of Brazil's anti-communist military dictatorship, Trump has a ready ally against Maduro. In return, Bolsonaro got one of the main items on his wish list: agreement for Brazil to be given NATO privileges. This "major non-NATO ally" status would ease Brazil's access to US weaponry and other military links. But in the sunny spirit of the occasion, Trump then went much further, stretching the diplomatic and geographical possibilities to a degree that surprised many. "I also intend to designate Brazil as a major non-NATO ally or even possibly, if you start thinking about it, maybe a NATO ally," Trump announced. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization already has 29 countries. None are from Latin America and none, like Brazil, are located in the South Atlantic. "I have to talk to a lot of people," Trump said of his idea. Longterm relationship Washington has had strained relations with Brazil's long string of leftist governments but the rise of Bolsonaro, who talks enthusiastically of combating socialists and communists, has opened a new door for the Trump administration. A Trump-Bolsonaro bonding matters for Venezuela and for Washington's push back against growing Chinese economic influence in South America. It could also have large-scale implications for the future of efforts to slow or reverse global warming: Brazil is home to much of the threatened Amazon rainforest and Bolsonaro, like Trump, is a climate change skeptic. Trump has withdrawn the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement, an international deal on cutting carbon emissions. Bolsonaro is toying with following suit. On Monday, Bolsonaro signed an agreement with US companies on technical safeguards to allow commercial satellite launches from Brazil's Alcantara base. But there are still major sticking points between the two countries, especially on trade, with Trump wanting Brazil to open up to more US products. Whether what a White House official called a new north-south "axis" prospers may depend mostly on the personal relationship between its leaders. For sure, the White House reception left Bolsonaro -- until last year a virtual unknown on the international stage -- expecting a long friendship. Asked if he would manage to have equally close ties if a Democrat prevented Republican Trump's reelection in 2020, Bolsonaro said: "I do believe Donald Trump will be reelected fully." Trump interrupted him -- just to show yet again that they were on the same wavelength. "Thank you. I agree," he said.

Bolsonaro compliments Trump who replies Brazil could join NATO

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has beaten fever caused by pneumonia after his abdominal surgery two weeks ago, his hospital said Saturday.

The president, 63, "has no fever and has made good clinical and post-operative progress," Albert Einstein Jewish Hospital in Sao Paulo said in its daily update.

"His lung trouble has improved, and his lab test results show encouraging signs."

Since January 28, Bolsonaro has been in semi-intensive care in Sao Paulo following a procedure to remove his colostomy bag and reconnect the bowel.

He underwent an operation on January 28 to reconnect his bowel so he could resume natural waste evacuation. It was Bolsonaro's third operation since a man attacked him with a knife on the campaign trail.

The former army captain is a prolific user of social media, where he conducted large portions of his successful presidential campaign last year.

"I truly want to say thanks for the prayers of the majority of Brazilians," he said on Twitter.

"If it had not been for them, and for the skill of the experts who have helped me, in three surgeries over five months, I would not be alive."

Though he had hoped to leave hospital Wednesday, fever and other issues caused a delay. However, he is now able to eat soft foods again, in addition to liquids.

Officially, Bolsonaro has continued to run the country from his hospital bed.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has beaten fever caused by pneumonia after his abdominal surgery two weeks ago, his hospital said Saturday. The president, 63, "has no fever and has made good clinical and post-operative progress," Albert Einstein Jewish Hospital in Sao Paulo said in its daily update.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has beaten fever caused by pneumonia after his abdominal surgery two weeks ago, his hospital said Saturday. The president, 63, "has no fever and has made good clinical and post-operative progress," Albert Einstein Jewish Hospital in Sao Paulo said in its daily update. "His lung trouble has improved, and his lab test results show encouraging signs." Since January 28, Bolsonaro has been in semi-intensive care in Sao Paulo following a procedure to remove his colostomy bag and reconnect the bowel. He underwent an operation on January 28 to reconnect his bowel so he could resume natural waste evacuation. It was Bolsonaro's third operation since a man attacked him with a knife on the campaign trail. The former army captain is a prolific user of social media, where he conducted large portions of his successful presidential campaign last year. "I truly want to say thanks for the prayers of the majority of Brazilians," he said on Twitter. "If it had not been for them, and for the skill of the experts who have helped me, in three surgeries over five months, I would not be alive." Though he had hoped to leave hospital Wednesday, fever and other issues caused a delay. However, he is now able to eat soft foods again, in addition to liquids. Officially, Bolsonaro has continued to run the country from his hospital bed.

Brazil's Bolsonaro improving after pneumonia, surgery

President Jair Bolsonaro on Saturday flew over the disaster area after the death toll grew to 34 following a dam burst at an iron ore mine owned by Vale SA.

Brazilian firefighters said on Saturday that at least 34 people were killed, as rescuers continued to search for hundreds still missing.

The Minas Gerais state fire department also said 23 people have been hospitalized after the dam released a torrent of mud on Friday, leaving a roughly 150-meter-wide (500-foot-wide) wake of destruction.

In an earlier statement, the department had said 300 people were still missing and 46 had been found alive, a figure that it did not update in its latest disclosure.

Firefighters focused their hopes for finding survivors on a bus, a train, mining offices and nearby homes that were buried on Friday in mud after the dam break at Vale's Corrego do Feijao facility in Minas Gerais state.

Frantic family members of the missing crowded into a warehouse set up by Vale for those affected, next to a stretch of river now demolished by the sludge. More than a dozen helicopters helping to survey the area took off and landed from a soccer field nearby.

"The federal government should help us in the sense of bringing some technology from the outside to help us recover the bodies that are buried, because it is very difficult to locate a body five and 10 meters deep and Israel already offered to do that," Romeu Zema, governor of Minas Gerais, told local media.

A Brazilian judge in the state of Minas Gerais on Saturday froze 5 billion reais ($1.33 billion) in the accounts of miner Vale SA to pay for damages caused by a dam burst, prosecutors said.

President Jair Bolsonaro on Saturday flew over the disaster area after the death toll grew to 34 following a dam burst at an iron ore mine owned by Vale SA. Brazilian firefighters said on Saturday that at least 34 people were killed, as rescuers continued to search for hundreds still missing.

President Jair Bolsonaro on Saturday flew over the disaster area after the death toll grew to 34 following a dam burst at an iron ore mine owned by Vale SA. Brazilian firefighters said on Saturday that at least 34 people were killed, as rescuers continued to search for hundreds still missing. The Minas Gerais state fire department also said 23 people have been hospitalized after the dam released a torrent of mud on Friday, leaving a roughly 150-meter-wide (500-foot-wide) wake of destruction. In an earlier statement, the department had said 300 people were still missing and 46 had been found alive, a figure that it did not update in its latest disclosure. Firefighters focused their hopes for finding survivors on a bus, a train, mining offices and nearby homes that were buried on Friday in mud after the dam break at Vale's Corrego do Feijao facility in Minas Gerais state. Frantic family members of the missing crowded into a warehouse set up by Vale for those affected, next to a stretch of river now demolished by the sludge. More than a dozen helicopters helping to survey the area took off and landed from a soccer field nearby. "The federal government should help us in the sense of bringing some technology from the outside to help us recover the bodies that are buried, because it is very difficult to locate a body five and 10 meters deep and Israel already offered to do that," Romeu Zema, governor of Minas Gerais, told local media. A Brazilian judge in the state of Minas Gerais on Saturday froze 5 billion reais ($1.33 billion) in the accounts of miner Vale SA to pay for damages caused by a dam burst, prosecutors said.

Brazilian president Bolsonaro tours area as death toll from dam disaster rises to 34

Far-right President Jair Bolsonaro touted a "new Brazil" in a speech Tuesday to the world's business elite in Davos, vowing an investment-friendly agenda and attacking leftwing politics in Latin America.

The new leader of the region's biggest economy gave the keynote address at this year's World Economic Forum, where warnings are mounting of the dangers of a growth slowdown, yawning inequality and disastrous climate change.&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump along with the leaders of France, Britain and Zimbabwe have stayed away from the Swiss ski resort as they fight political fires back home.

A trip to Davos by US officials including Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was also cancelled by Trump. But Pompeo addressed the conference by video-link from Washington on a range of foreign-policy challenges, after Bolsonaro's speech.

Like Trump, Bolsonaro surfed a populist wave to ride to power, vowing an end to rampant corruption and restoration of law and order in Brazil.&nbsp;

'Changing our history'

But staging his first foreign trip as president, Bolsonaro has left behind a scandal about suspicious payments involving his politician son Flavio Bolsonaro, who denies any wrongdoing.&nbsp;

Focusing instead on a pro-business message at the WEF, Bolsonaro told his well-heeled audience that he was determined to open up Brazil's economy, slash red tape and lower taxes.&nbsp;

"I want to introduce to all of you the new Brazil we are building," he said. "We are committed to changing our history."

Addressing civil society's deep concerns over his authoritarian leanings, Bolsonaro said "true human rights" were safe under his government as it would protect the right to life and safety of property.&nbsp;

In a nod to Venezuela and other regional hotbeds of socialism, he also said the left wing would "not prevail" in Latin America.

And he insisted the natural environment was also safe, despite fears that the new government will open up the Amazon rainforest further to agribusiness and loggers.

The reaction to the speech was muted, with Davos-goers saying there was little to go by in the leader's short and sometimes stilted address.

"He's obviously very green from a policy point of view but maybe he won't be corrupt which would be such an improvement," Harvard professor Kenneth Rogoff, a former IMF chief economist, told AFP after the speech.

Trump of the Tropics

While Bolsonaro's promises on investment and deregulation have wowed the Brazilian stock market, he has also taken a page from the Trump playbook in bashing China.

Greenpeace executive director Jennifer Morgan said Bolsonaro should not have been afforded the "prestigious platform" of the WEF in Davos, "because I think it just buttresses that type of approach that he is taking".&nbsp;

It was up to the company bosses present in Davos to push back and "actually prioritise the Amazon and reducing deforestation over their short-term business interest", she told AFP, "because the Amazon is a fundamental part of how the whole planet works".&nbsp;

However, a new analysis by the World Resources Institute said the world is on course to miss its "best chance" of preventing runaway climate change, by ensuring global greenhouse gas emissions peak in 2020.

The WEF week features an eclectic lineup of discussions devoted to issues such as mindful parenting in the digital age, chronic loneliness and harnessing artificial intelligence without destroying jobs.

It is drawing some 3,000 political and business figures, including 65 government leaders from Germany, Israel and elsewhere.&nbsp;

Growth down, inequality up

Trump pulled out of Davos because of the partial US government shutdown and then yanked his entire delegation, removing any prospect of trade peacemaking in the Alps with Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan.

While economic growth is slowing, aid charity Oxfam warned the Davos elite that inequality around the world most certainly is not.

The wealth of the world's 26 richest people is now equivalent to that of the poorest half of humanity, Oxfam said, warning that such an imbalance was stoking popular anger and undermining democracies around the world.

Far-right President Jair Bolsonaro touted a "new Brazil" in a speech Tuesday to the world's business elite in Davos, vowing an investment-friendly agenda and attacking leftwing politics in Latin America.

Far-right President Jair Bolsonaro touted a "new Brazil" in a speech Tuesday to the world's business elite in Davos, vowing an investment-friendly agenda and attacking leftwing politics in Latin America. The new leader of the region's biggest economy gave the keynote address at this year's World Economic Forum, where warnings are mounting of the dangers of a growth slowdown, yawning inequality and disastrous climate change. US President Donald Trump along with the leaders of France, Britain and Zimbabwe have stayed away from the Swiss ski resort as they fight political fires back home. A trip to Davos by US officials including Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was also cancelled by Trump. But Pompeo addressed the conference by video-link from Washington on a range of foreign-policy challenges, after Bolsonaro's speech. Like Trump, Bolsonaro surfed a populist wave to ride to power, vowing an end to rampant corruption and restoration of law and order in Brazil. 'Changing our history' But staging his first foreign trip as president, Bolsonaro has left behind a scandal about suspicious payments involving his politician son Flavio Bolsonaro, who denies any wrongdoing. Focusing instead on a pro-business message at the WEF, Bolsonaro told his well-heeled audience that he was determined to open up Brazil's economy, slash red tape and lower taxes. "I want to introduce to all of you the new Brazil we are building," he said. "We are committed to changing our history." Addressing civil society's deep concerns over his authoritarian leanings, Bolsonaro said "true human rights" were safe under his government as it would protect the right to life and safety of property. In a nod to Venezuela and other regional hotbeds of socialism, he also said the left wing would "not prevail" in Latin America. And he insisted the natural environment was also safe, despite fears that the new government will open up the Amazon rainforest further to agribusiness and loggers. The reaction to the speech was muted, with Davos-goers saying there was little to go by in the leader's short and sometimes stilted address. "He's obviously very green from a policy point of view but maybe he won't be corrupt which would be such an improvement," Harvard professor Kenneth Rogoff, a former IMF chief economist, told AFP after the speech. Trump of the Tropics While Bolsonaro's promises on investment and deregulation have wowed the Brazilian stock market, he has also taken a page from the Trump playbook in bashing China. Greenpeace executive director Jennifer Morgan said Bolsonaro should not have been afforded the "prestigious platform" of the WEF in Davos, "because I think it just buttresses that type of approach that he is taking". It was up to the company bosses present in Davos to push back and "actually prioritise the Amazon and reducing deforestation over their short-term business interest", she told AFP, "because the Amazon is a fundamental part of how the whole planet works". However, a new analysis by the World Resources Institute said the world is on course to miss its "best chance" of preventing runaway climate change, by ensuring global greenhouse gas emissions peak in 2020. The WEF week features an eclectic lineup of discussions devoted to issues such as mindful parenting in the digital age, chronic loneliness and harnessing artificial intelligence without destroying jobs. It is drawing some 3,000 political and business figures, including 65 government leaders from Germany, Israel and elsewhere. Growth down, inequality up Trump pulled out of Davos because of the partial US government shutdown and then yanked his entire delegation, removing any prospect of trade peacemaking in the Alps with Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan. While economic growth is slowing, aid charity Oxfam warned the Davos elite that inequality around the world most certainly is not. The wealth of the world's 26 richest people is now equivalent to that of the poorest half of humanity, Oxfam said, warning that such an imbalance was stoking popular anger and undermining democracies around the world.

Far-right Jair Bolsonaro sells 'new Brazil' to Davos elite

The new president of Brazil signed on Tuesday, hours after his inauguration, a decree in which he set the minimum wage at 998 reals ($257.5) for 2019, an increase of 4.61 percent over last year.

In absolute numbers, the value is 44 reals ($11.3) higher than the minimum wage of 954 reals ($246.1 on 1st Jan.) decreed for 2018 by the former president Michel Temer, who on Tuesday handed the presidential sash to the far-right Jair Bolsonaro.

The figure is less than the 1,006 reals ($259.6) calculated by the outgoing government and included in the 2019 budget.

The increase of the minimum wage in Brazil is decided with a formula that takes into account inflation, the growth rate of the previous year and other variables.

The reduction between the value finally decreed by Bolsonaro and that reflected in the budgets is due to a decrease in inflation estimates.

The readjustment of the minimum wage is traditionally decreed in the last days of December, but the former president Michel Temer decided to leave the matter to the new head of state, who chose to fix it hours after his swearing in.

Bolsonaro, leader of the far-right, was sworn in on Tuesday as president in Brasilia, after winning the elections in October with 55 percent of the votes.

In his two public pronouncements before Congress and the thousands of supporters waiting in front of Planalto's presidential palace, Bolsonaro promised to free Brazil from ideological ties, govern "without discrimination" and carry out the economic reforms necessary to overcome the effects of the crisis.

He also reiterated that he proposes to open international markets for Brazilian exports, stimulating competition, productivity and efficiency and with special attention to the agricultural sector, which is the main engine of the national economy.

The new president of Brazil signed on Tuesday, hours after his inauguration, a decree in which he set the minimum wage at 998 reals ($257.5) for 2019, an increase of 4.

The new president of Brazil signed on Tuesday, hours after his inauguration, a decree in which he set the minimum wage at 998 reals ($257.5) for 2019, an increase of 4.61 percent over last year. In absolute numbers, the value is 44 reals ($11.3) higher than the minimum wage of 954 reals ($246.1 on 1st Jan.) decreed for 2018 by the former president Michel Temer, who on Tuesday handed the presidential sash to the far-right Jair Bolsonaro. The figure is less than the 1,006 reals ($259.6) calculated by the outgoing government and included in the 2019 budget. The increase of the minimum wage in Brazil is decided with a formula that takes into account inflation, the growth rate of the previous year and other variables. The reduction between the value finally decreed by Bolsonaro and that reflected in the budgets is due to a decrease in inflation estimates. The readjustment of the minimum wage is traditionally decreed in the last days of December, but the former president Michel Temer decided to leave the matter to the new head of state, who chose to fix it hours after his swearing in. Bolsonaro, leader of the far-right, was sworn in on Tuesday as president in Brasilia, after winning the elections in October with 55 percent of the votes. In his two public pronouncements before Congress and the thousands of supporters waiting in front of Planalto's presidential palace, Bolsonaro promised to free Brazil from ideological ties, govern "without discrimination" and carry out the economic reforms necessary to overcome the effects of the crisis. He also reiterated that he proposes to open international markets for Brazilian exports, stimulating competition, productivity and efficiency and with special attention to the agricultural sector, which is the main engine of the national economy.

Bolsonaro increases Brazil's minimum wage by 4.6%

Brazil will move its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem, with only the date of the transfer to be decided, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly said Sunday during a visit to Rio de Janeiro.

"It's not a question of 'if' but of 'when'," Netanyahu told members of Rio's Jewish community, according to Brazil's UOL news website.

The issue of the embassy has been hovering over Netanyahu's visit to Brazil, the first-ever by an Israeli prime minister.&nbsp;

He arrived on Friday to hold talks with Brazil's far-right president-elect Jair Bolsonaro, who is to be sworn-in in a ceremony in Brasilia on Tuesday, with Netanyahu among the foreign dignitaries attending.

Bolsonaro said in early November he intended to follow the lead of US President Donald Trump in moving his country's embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. But then he backtracked, saying "it hasn't been decided yet."

Brazil's important meat producers are worried that an embassy move could see threaten their $5 billion in exports to Arab countries.

Those countries and Palestinians view East Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state.&nbsp;

But Israel asserts all of Jerusalem is its capital and is keen to see embassies move there to bolster that claim.

Most countries, however, back Israeli-Palestinian negotiations to settle Jerusalem's status as part of a wider peace deal.

Trump broke with that consensus a year ago, and in May this year, the US embassy was established in Jerusalem.

UOL reported that Bolsonaro told Netanyahu in their Friday talks that he would follow suit.

However, neither man raised the issue when they spoke to journalists shortly after. Nor did they post anything on it on their Twitter accounts, despite Bolsonaro, in particular, being a fervent social media user.

Netanyahu had told reporters as he flew into Rio that he was going to raise the embassy topic as a priority when he met Bolsonaro.&nbsp;

The issue of the embassy has been hovering over Netanyahu's visit to Brazil, the first-ever by an Israeli prime minister.

Brazil will move its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem, with only the date of the transfer to be decided, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly said Sunday during a visit to Rio de Janeiro. "It's not a question of 'if' but of 'when'," Netanyahu told members of Rio's Jewish community, according to Brazil's UOL news website. The issue of the embassy has been hovering over Netanyahu's visit to Brazil, the first-ever by an Israeli prime minister. He arrived on Friday to hold talks with Brazil's far-right president-elect Jair Bolsonaro, who is to be sworn-in in a ceremony in Brasilia on Tuesday, with Netanyahu among the foreign dignitaries attending. Bolsonaro said in early November he intended to follow the lead of US President Donald Trump in moving his country's embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. But then he backtracked, saying "it hasn't been decided yet." Brazil's important meat producers are worried that an embassy move could see threaten their $5 billion in exports to Arab countries. Those countries and Palestinians view East Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state. But Israel asserts all of Jerusalem is its capital and is keen to see embassies move there to bolster that claim. Most countries, however, back Israeli-Palestinian negotiations to settle Jerusalem's status as part of a wider peace deal. Trump broke with that consensus a year ago, and in May this year, the US embassy was established in Jerusalem. UOL reported that Bolsonaro told Netanyahu in their Friday talks that he would follow suit. However, neither man raised the issue when they spoke to journalists shortly after. Nor did they post anything on it on their Twitter accounts, despite Bolsonaro, in particular, being a fervent social media user. Netanyahu had told reporters as he flew into Rio that he was going to raise the embassy topic as a priority when he met Bolsonaro.

Brazil will move embassy to Jerusalem, Netanyahu says: Report

A United Nations conference adopted a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/global-compact-for-migration-why-are-countries-opposing-it-182795">migration pact </a>in front of leaders and representatives from over 160 countries in Morocco on Monday, despite a string of withdrawals driven by anti-immigrant populism.

The Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration -- finalised at the UN in July after 18 months of talks -- was formally approved with the bang of a gavel in Marrakesh at the start of a two-day conference.

But the United States and at least <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-150-governments-to-adopt-un-migration-pact-in-morocco-182775">16 other countries</a> either opted out or expressed concerns, with some claiming the pact infringes national sovereignty.

Billed as the first international document on managing migration, it lays out 23 objectives to open up legal migration and discourage illegal border crossings, as the number of people on the move globally has surged to more than 250 million.

Describing it as a "roadmap to prevent suffering and chaos", UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres sought to dispel what he called a number of myths around the pact, including claims it will allow the United Nations to impose migration policies on member states.

The pact "is not legally binding", he said. "It is a framework for international cooperation."

"We must not succumb to fear and false narratives", he told an audience that included German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Panama's President Juan Carlos Varela, Greek premier Alexis Tsipras, Danish Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen and Spain's premier Pedro Sanchez.

Merkel launched an impassioned defence of the pact and multilateralism, saying her country "through Nazism brought incredible pain to humanity".

"The answer to pure nationalism was the foundation of the United Nations and the commitment to jointly searching for answers to our common problems," she said.

She insisted the pact seeks to prevent, rather than encourage, illegal migration. "This is about safe, orderly and regular migration -- it says (this) clearly in the title."

Draconian measures&nbsp;

On Friday, the US hit out at the pact, labelling it "an effort by the United Nations to advance global governance at the expense of the sovereign right of states".

It was the first country to disavow the negotiations late last year, while Australia, Austria, the Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, Hungary, Latvia, Poland and Slovakia have all pulled out of the process in recent months and weeks before Chile withdrew overnight.

Brazil also announced Monday it would withdraw from the pact from January when far-right president-elect Jair Bolsonaro takes office.

"Immigration is welcome, but it should not be indiscriminate," future foreign minister Ernesto Araujo tweeted, adding: "It must serve the national interests and cohesion of each society."&nbsp;

Rows over the accord have erupted in several European Union nations, hobbling <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/belgium-lapses-into-minority-government-over-un-migration-pact-row-182717">Belgium's coalition government </a>and pushing Slovakia's foreign minister to tender his resignation.

From the United States to Europe and beyond, right-wing and populist leaders have taken increasingly draconian measures to shut out migrants in recent years.

US President Donald Trump has pledged to build a wall on the US-Mexico border and has focused his recent ire on a migrant caravan from Central America, while a populist coalition government in Italy has clamped down on boats rescuing migrants at sea.

Belgium's liberal premier Charles Michel attended the conference after winning the support of parliament to back the accord but was left leading a minority government after a Flemish nationalist party said it will quit his coalition over the pact.

"This model of cooperation is complex, sometimes including steps forwards and sometimes banana skins," Michel told delegates.

The pact has been welcomed by the Catholic Church as an important step towards addressing migrants' needs and reducing their vulnerability.

"The Holy See is convinced that the enormous challenges that migration poses are best faced through multilateral processes rather than isolationist policies," said papal envoy Cardinal Piero Parolin.

Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras also welcomed the accord. These countries have worked on their own regional plan to manage migration, which El Salvador's foreign minister Carlos Castaneda told reporters represents the first effort to work within the framework of the global compact.

'Should be ethically binding'

The UN's children's agency said the pact could help provide better access to education and health for migrant children and offer "them stronger protection from exploitation and violence".

Other organisations, including Amnesty International and the International Federation of the Red Cross, see the accord as just a first step towards protecting migrants.

"We have heard repeatedly that this compact is not legally binding and does not impact on state sovereignty," said IFRC president Francesco Rocca at a press conference on the sidelines of the main dialogue.

"But if we are serious about fixing this problem, it should at the very least be ethically binding."

In comments by a representative, Morocco's King Mohammed VI -- absent from proceedings -- said the pact offers a way forwards that navigates between the two extremes of closing borders and allowing uncontrolled migration.

After the Marrakesh conference, the UN General Assembly is set to adopt a resolution formally endorsing the deal on December 19.

A United Nations conference adopted a migration pact in front of leaders and representatives from over 160 countries in Morocco on Monday, despite a string of withdrawals driven by anti-immigrant populism.

A United Nations conference adopted a migration pact in front of leaders and representatives from over 160 countries in Morocco on Monday, despite a string of withdrawals driven by anti-immigrant populism. The Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration -- finalised at the UN in July after 18 months of talks -- was formally approved with the bang of a gavel in Marrakesh at the start of a two-day conference. But the United States and at least 16 other countries either opted out or expressed concerns, with some claiming the pact infringes national sovereignty. Billed as the first international document on managing migration, it lays out 23 objectives to open up legal migration and discourage illegal border crossings, as the number of people on the move globally has surged to more than 250 million. Describing it as a "roadmap to prevent suffering and chaos", UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres sought to dispel what he called a number of myths around the pact, including claims it will allow the United Nations to impose migration policies on member states. The pact "is not legally binding", he said. "It is a framework for international cooperation." "We must not succumb to fear and false narratives", he told an audience that included German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Panama's President Juan Carlos Varela, Greek premier Alexis Tsipras, Danish Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen and Spain's premier Pedro Sanchez. Merkel launched an impassioned defence of the pact and multilateralism, saying her country "through Nazism brought incredible pain to humanity". "The answer to pure nationalism was the foundation of the United Nations and the commitment to jointly searching for answers to our common problems," she said. She insisted the pact seeks to prevent, rather than encourage, illegal migration. "This is about safe, orderly and regular migration -- it says (this) clearly in the title." Draconian measures On Friday, the US hit out at the pact, labelling it "an effort by the United Nations to advance global governance at the expense of the sovereign right of states". It was the first country to disavow the negotiations late last year, while Australia, Austria, the Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, Hungary, Latvia, Poland and Slovakia have all pulled out of the process in recent months and weeks before Chile withdrew overnight. Brazil also announced Monday it would withdraw from the pact from January when far-right president-elect Jair Bolsonaro takes office. "Immigration is welcome, but it should not be indiscriminate," future foreign minister Ernesto Araujo tweeted, adding: "It must serve the national interests and cohesion of each society." Rows over the accord have erupted in several European Union nations, hobbling Belgium's coalition government and pushing Slovakia's foreign minister to tender his resignation. From the United States to Europe and beyond, right-wing and populist leaders have taken increasingly draconian measures to shut out migrants in recent years. US President Donald Trump has pledged to build a wall on the US-Mexico border and has focused his recent ire on a migrant caravan from Central America, while a populist coalition government in Italy has clamped down on boats rescuing migrants at sea. Belgium's liberal premier Charles Michel attended the conference after winning the support of parliament to back the accord but was left leading a minority government after a Flemish nationalist party said it will quit his coalition over the pact. "This model of cooperation is complex, sometimes including steps forwards and sometimes banana skins," Michel told delegates. The pact has been welcomed by the Catholic Church as an important step towards addressing migrants' needs and reducing their vulnerability. "The Holy See is convinced that the enormous challenges that migration poses are best faced through multilateral processes rather than isolationist policies," said papal envoy Cardinal Piero Parolin. Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras also welcomed the accord. These countries have worked on their own regional plan to manage migration, which El Salvador's foreign minister Carlos Castaneda told reporters represents the first effort to work within the framework of the global compact. 'Should be ethically binding' The UN's children's agency said the pact could help provide better access to education and health for migrant children and offer "them stronger protection from exploitation and violence". Other organisations, including Amnesty International and the International Federation of the Red Cross, see the accord as just a first step towards protecting migrants. "We have heard repeatedly that this compact is not legally binding and does not impact on state sovereignty," said IFRC president Francesco Rocca at a press conference on the sidelines of the main dialogue. "But if we are serious about fixing this problem, it should at the very least be ethically binding." In comments by a representative, Morocco's King Mohammed VI -- absent from proceedings -- said the pact offers a way forwards that navigates between the two extremes of closing borders and allowing uncontrolled migration. After the Marrakesh conference, the UN General Assembly is set to adopt a resolution formally endorsing the deal on December 19.

UN conference adopts migration pact despite withdrawals

Brazil's far-right president-elect has convinced crusading anti-graft judge Sergio Moro to become his justice minister, the two said on Thursday, delighting his supporters and enraging critics by hiring the jurist who jailed his chief political rival.

Moro oversaw the so-called 'Operation Car Wash' probe that convicted former leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of bribery and money laundering, blocking the then poll-leader from running against Jair Bolsonaro.

A telegenic 46-year-old who has previously dismissed any political ambitions, Moro flew to Bolsonaro's beachside Rio de Janeiro home on Thursday, where he met with Brazil's next president for about an hour before both announced the decision.

The president-elect scores a clear political victory with the appointment of Moro, who gained a cult following in Brazil after he locked up a string of politicians and businessmen in the country's biggest-ever graft investigation.

But the decision also gives ammunition to his opponents, who have long argued that the 'Car Wash' probe was a politicized purge aimed at sidelining Lula and his leftist Workers Party (PT).

Brazil's far-right president-elect has convinced crusading anti-graft judge Sergio Moro to become his justice minister, the two said on Thursday, delighting his supporters and enraging critics by hiring the jurist who jailed his chief political rival.

Brazil's far-right president-elect has convinced crusading anti-graft judge Sergio Moro to become his justice minister, the two said on Thursday, delighting his supporters and enraging critics by hiring the jurist who jailed his chief political rival. Moro oversaw the so-called 'Operation Car Wash' probe that convicted former leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of bribery and money laundering, blocking the then poll-leader from running against Jair Bolsonaro. A telegenic 46-year-old who has previously dismissed any political ambitions, Moro flew to Bolsonaro's beachside Rio de Janeiro home on Thursday, where he met with Brazil's next president for about an hour before both announced the decision. The president-elect scores a clear political victory with the appointment of Moro, who gained a cult following in Brazil after he locked up a string of politicians and businessmen in the country's biggest-ever graft investigation. But the decision also gives ammunition to his opponents, who have long argued that the 'Car Wash' probe was a politicized purge aimed at sidelining Lula and his leftist Workers Party (PT).

Brazil's Bolsonaro names judge who jailed his rival as justice minister

As a result of the former president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva being unable to run as a candidate, a right-wing&nbsppolitician Jair Bolsanaro and environmentalist Marina Silva could be a leading candidate in Brazil's upcoming presidential elections, an&nbspopinion poll said.

According to an opinion poll by Datafolha showed that if he was imprisoned right now then it would have been him leading the race.

Lula still on the ballot, the former president had 30 per cent of voting intentions.

Lula's conviction has left&nbspBrazil's presidential race wide open.

In various scenarios around candidate composition provided by the poll showed Jair Bolsonaro got 17 per cent of voting&nbspintention as compared to Marina's 15 per cent.

A situation of tied position can also come up as both leaders had a margin of just two per cent.&nbsp

A recent addition to Brazil's socialist party PSB,&nbspleftist Ciro Gomes and former Supreme Court justice Joaquim Barbosa came at third place with 9% each.

However, the current president Michel Temer and former Finance minister Henrique Meirelles received only 1-2% votes.

Currently serving his 12-years of the jail sentence, Lula is likely to be unable to contest in an upcoming election as the Supreme Court found Lula guilty of corruption.

On Wednesday Brazil Supreme Court delayed a debate of changing a law that could have led to release of Brazil leftist icon.

The debate has been delayed for five days after right-wing party PEN filed a petition.

Brazil will hold general elections in October to choose a President, governors for 26 states and the federal district and members of both houses of Congress.

&nbsp

As a result of the former president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva being unable to run as a candidate, a right-wing politician Jair Bolsanaro and environmentalist Marina Silva could be a leading candidate in Brazil's upcoming presidential elections, an opinion poll said

As a result of the former president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva being unable to run as a candidate, a right-wing&nbsppolitician Jair Bolsanaro and environmentalist Marina Silva could be a leading candidate in Brazil's upcoming presidential elections, an&nbspopinion poll said. According to an opinion poll by Datafolha showed that if he was imprisoned right now then it would have been him leading the race. Lula still on the ballot, the former president had 30 per cent of voting intentions. Lula's conviction has left&nbspBrazil's presidential race wide open. In various scenarios around candidate composition provided by the poll showed Jair Bolsonaro got 17 per cent of voting&nbspintention as compared to Marina's 15 per cent. A situation of tied position can also come up as both leaders had a margin of just two per cent. A recent addition to Brazil's socialist party PSB,&nbspleftist Ciro Gomes and former Supreme Court justice Joaquim Barbosa came at third place with 9% each. However, the current president Michel Temer and former Finance minister Henrique Meirelles received only 1-2% votes. Currently serving his 12-years of the jail sentence, Lula is likely to be unable to contest in an upcoming election as the Supreme Court found Lula guilty of corruption. On Wednesday Brazil Supreme Court delayed a debate of changing a law that could have led to release of Brazil leftist icon. The debate has been delayed for five days after right-wing party PEN filed a petition. Brazil will hold general elections in October to choose a President, governors for 26 states and the federal district and members of both houses of Congress.

Without Lula, right-wing and green candidates lead Brazil's presidential race: Poll

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