After 10 straight days of hiccups, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been admitted to a hospital with intestinal obstruction. The 66-year-old had been complaining publicly since last week about suffering from hiccups following a July 3 surgery on a dental implant.

Brazil's President Bolsonaro in hospital due to persistent hiccups

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been hospitalised&nbsp;to identify the cause of chronic hiccups,&nbsp;the government said.

The 66-year-old far-right leader had been complaining publically since last week that he had been suffering from the hiccups following surgery on a dental implant on July 3.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/brazil-thousands-protest-against-president-bolsonaros-covid-response-388332/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Bolsonaro&nbsp;was taken to a military hospital in the capital Brasilia "to undergo tests and to investigate the cause of the hiccups," said the statement from the presidential palace.

"He is in good spirits and feels well," said the presidency, adding that&nbsp;Bolsonaro&nbsp;would remain under observation for the next 24-48 hours, although "not necessarily in hospital."

Speaking to a local radio station last week,&nbsp;Bolsonaro&nbsp;had said: "This happened to me before, maybe due to the medicine I'm taking, I have hiccups 24 hours a day."

On Tuesday night, a tired-looking&nbsp;Bolsonaro&nbsp;had complained to supporters outside his official residence in Brasilia about the problem.

"People, my voice has gone. If I start talking a lot, the hiccups return ... they already have," he said.

Bolsonaro's health has been an issue during his presidency, after he was stabbed and seriously injured in the intestines on the campaign trail in 2018.

He has had other scares. In July last year, Bolsonaro caught COVID-19 but recovered. In appearances over the last few months, he has had a stubborn cough. More recently, he has had hiccups, which have led to concerns about his health.

(With inputs from agencies)

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been hospitalised to identify the cause of chronic hiccups, the government said. The 66-year-old far-right leader had been complaining publically since last week that he had been suffering from the hiccups following surgery on a dental implant on July 3.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been hospitalised to identify the cause of chronic hiccups, the government said. The 66-year-old far-right leader had been complaining publically since last week that he had been suffering from the hiccups following surgery on a dental implant on July 3. Bolsonaro was taken to a military hospital in the capital Brasilia "to undergo tests and to investigate the cause of the hiccups," said the statement from the presidential palace. "He is in good spirits and feels well," said the presidency, adding that Bolsonaro would remain under observation for the next 24-48 hours, although "not necessarily in hospital." Speaking to a local radio station last week, Bolsonaro had said: "This happened to me before, maybe due to the medicine I'm taking, I have hiccups 24 hours a day." On Tuesday night, a tired-looking Bolsonaro had complained to supporters outside his official residence in Brasilia about the problem. "People, my voice has gone. If I start talking a lot, the hiccups return ... they already have," he said. Bolsonaro's health has been an issue during his presidency, after he was stabbed and seriously injured in the intestines on the campaign trail in 2018. He has had other scares. In July last year, Bolsonaro caught COVID-19 but recovered. In appearances over the last few months, he has had a stubborn cough. More recently, he has had hiccups, which have led to concerns about his health. (With inputs from agencies)

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro gets hospitalised to find cause of 'hiccups'

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

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

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

Poll shows majority of Brazilians support impeaching Bolsonaro

Covid corruption and scandals that rocked the world

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

Brazil’s government was criticised for carelessly handling the deadly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus pandemic</a> in the country, and although the President of Brazil, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/jair-bolsonaro?page=1">Jair Bolsonaro</a>, claimed the country managed the pandemic nicely, a recent study has claimed otherwise.

The study by a group of researchers from the Federal University of Pelotas and coordinated by the epidemiologist and dean of UFPel, Pedro Hallal, has claimed that more than 400,000 lives could have been saved if the authorities would have implemented stricter social distancing rules.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolsonaro-asks-journalist-to-shut-up-for-urging-him-to-keep-mask-on-393127" hreflang="en">Bolsonaro asks journalist to 'shut up' for urging him to keep mask on</a>

The study has been conducted under the guidance of the government of the state of Rio Grande do Sul and in partnership with the Ministry of Health.

Researchers claim that stricter social distancing measures and an early start to the Covid vaccination programmes could have prevented at least 80 per cent of the Covid deaths registered in Brazil.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazilians-protest-bolsonaros-role-in-half-a-million-covid-19-deaths-392661" hreflang="en">Brazilians protest Bolsonaro's role in half a million COVID-19 deaths</a>

"The responsibility for these numbers is entirely on the federal government’s back –and particularly on the president’s," Pedro Hallal, a professor at the Federal University of Pelotas told the Guardian. "It was not the federal government who said that&nbsp;the pandemic was a ‘little flu’. It was not the government that&nbsp;encouraged people to go out without a mask, or who said that the&nbsp;vaccine could turn you into an alligator. That was all the president, and it’s his responsibility."

This research has also revealed that the COVID-19 related mortality average is 2,345 per million in&nbsp;Brazil&nbsp;versus 494 worldwide, i.e. it is more than four times higher in Brazil than any other country in the world.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chubby-dictator-bolsonaro-fined-for-flouting-covid-restrictions-386956" hreflang="en">'Chubby dictator': Bolsonaro fined for flouting covid restrictions</a>

Hallal has also alleged that nearly 95,000 to 145,000 deaths happened solely because the Bolsonaro government failed to acquire <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccines</a> on time. While Brazil started a mass vaccination campaign in January, the programme has been constantly disrupted due to the shortage of vaccines in the country.

The vaccine campaign has also suffered as Jair Bolsonaro has refused to give credit to the vaccines and has stayed away from getting himself vaccinated. "I’ve got the virus alive, so I am immunised," he told his supporters in March. "I will let other people get the injection in my place, and later on, if I decide to get the vaccine – because, depending on me, this is voluntary, you cannot force anyone to take it – I will take it."

Brazil’s government was criticised for carelessly handling the deadly coronavirus pandemic in the country, and although the President of Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro, claimed the country managed the pandemic nicely, a recent study has claimed otherwise.

Brazil’s government was criticised for carelessly handling the deadly coronavirus pandemic in the country, and although the President of Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro, claimed the country managed the pandemic nicely, a recent study has claimed otherwise. The study by a group of researchers from the Federal University of Pelotas and coordinated by the epidemiologist and dean of UFPel, Pedro Hallal, has claimed that more than 400,000 lives could have been saved if the authorities would have implemented stricter social distancing rules. Also read | Bolsonaro asks journalist to 'shut up' for urging him to keep mask on The study has been conducted under the guidance of the government of the state of Rio Grande do Sul and in partnership with the Ministry of Health. Researchers claim that stricter social distancing measures and an early start to the Covid vaccination programmes could have prevented at least 80 per cent of the Covid deaths registered in Brazil. Also read | Brazilians protest Bolsonaro's role in half a million COVID-19 deaths "The responsibility for these numbers is entirely on the federal government’s back –and particularly on the president’s," Pedro Hallal, a professor at the Federal University of Pelotas told the Guardian. "It was not the federal government who said that the pandemic was a ‘little flu’. It was not the government that encouraged people to go out without a mask, or who said that the vaccine could turn you into an alligator. That was all the president, and it’s his responsibility." This research has also revealed that the COVID-19 related mortality average is 2,345 per million in Brazil versus 494 worldwide, i.e. it is more than four times higher in Brazil than any other country in the world. Also read | 'Chubby dictator': Bolsonaro fined for flouting covid restrictions Hallal has also alleged that nearly 95,000 to 145,000 deaths happened solely because the Bolsonaro government failed to acquire coronavirus vaccines on time. While Brazil started a mass vaccination campaign in January, the programme has been constantly disrupted due to the shortage of vaccines in the country. The vaccine campaign has also suffered as Jair Bolsonaro has refused to give credit to the vaccines and has stayed away from getting himself vaccinated. "I’ve got the virus alive, so I am immunised," he told his supporters in March. "I will let other people get the injection in my place, and later on, if I decide to get the vaccine – because, depending on me, this is voluntary, you cannot force anyone to take it – I will take it."

'It was Bolsonaro's fault': Researchers claim Brazil could have saved 400,000 Covid deaths

India's home-made shot Covaxin is at the centre of a storm in Brazil. Federal prosecutors in Brazil suspect corruption in the way Bharat Biotech's representative reached an agreement with the government. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Covaxin at the centre of a storm in Brazil

A magistrate on&nbsp;Brazil's Supreme Court on Thursday annulled two more cases against former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva that had been brought by former judge Sergio Moro, who had previously been deemed by the same court to have been "biased" in convicting and jailing the iconic leftist leader.&nbsp;

The latest ruling invalidates all the evidence collected by Moro, meaning the trial process will have to start again from scratch.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-supreme-court-ruling-could-free-corruption-convicts-including-lula-da-silva-256611">Brazil Supreme Court ruling could free corruption convicts, including Lula da Silva</a>

That diminishes the chances of a relatively quick verdict being delivered that would block the 75-year-old Lula, as he is popularly known, from running for president in 2022.

Socialist Lula claimed his conviction was politically motivated in a bid to prevent him from running against President Jair Bolsonaro in the 2018 election that brought the far-right politician to power.

Supreme Court magistrate Gilmar Mendes said there were "factual and legal" links between the case in which Moro was declared "biased" and the other two cases that passed through the judge's court in the southern city of Curitiba during his massive anti-corruption campaign known as "Operation Car Wash."&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/landmark-car-wash-investigation-ends-with-a-whimper-in-brazil-361828">Landmark 'Car Wash' investigation ends with a whimper in&nbsp;Brazil</a>

Therefore, Mendes ordered an annulment of "all the decision-making actions" taken by Moro, including those that "preceded the procedure."&nbsp;

In 2017, Moro convicted Lula of accepting a luxury apartment in Sao Paulo as a bribe and sentenced him to more than nine years in jail.

An appeals court upheld his conviction, preventing him from running for president again as he spent 19 months in jail.

But the second chamber of the Supreme Court, which is made up of five judges, in March accepted the argument by Lula's defence that Moro's political bias was evident when he was appointed justice minister by Bolsonaro.

The Supreme Court itself later ratified that ruling by a vote of seven to four.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-supreme-court-judge-clears-ex-president-lula-of-corruption-charges-368999">Brazil Supreme Court judge clears ex-president Lula of corruption charges</a>

Mendes' decision extends that ruling to the other two cases Moro brought against the former president in Curitiba.&nbsp;

One case is related to the refurbishment of a farm in Sao Paulo state and the other to the purchase of land for the Lula Institute.&nbsp;

The former president, who was in office from 2003-2010, has always professed his innocence, but still faces three other trials, one in Brasilia and two in Sao Paulo.

A magistrate on Brazil's Supreme Court on Thursday annulled two more cases against former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva that had been brought by former judge Sergio Moro, who had previously been deemed by the same court to have been "biased" in convicting and jailing the iconic leftist leader.

A magistrate on Brazil's Supreme Court on Thursday annulled two more cases against former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva that had been brought by former judge Sergio Moro, who had previously been deemed by the same court to have been "biased" in convicting and jailing the iconic leftist leader. The latest ruling invalidates all the evidence collected by Moro, meaning the trial process will have to start again from scratch. Also read | Brazil Supreme Court ruling could free corruption convicts, including Lula da Silva That diminishes the chances of a relatively quick verdict being delivered that would block the 75-year-old Lula, as he is popularly known, from running for president in 2022. Socialist Lula claimed his conviction was politically motivated in a bid to prevent him from running against President Jair Bolsonaro in the 2018 election that brought the far-right politician to power. Supreme Court magistrate Gilmar Mendes said there were "factual and legal" links between the case in which Moro was declared "biased" and the other two cases that passed through the judge's court in the southern city of Curitiba during his massive anti-corruption campaign known as "Operation Car Wash." Also read | Landmark 'Car Wash' investigation ends with a whimper in Brazil Therefore, Mendes ordered an annulment of "all the decision-making actions" taken by Moro, including those that "preceded the procedure." In 2017, Moro convicted Lula of accepting a luxury apartment in Sao Paulo as a bribe and sentenced him to more than nine years in jail. An appeals court upheld his conviction, preventing him from running for president again as he spent 19 months in jail. But the second chamber of the Supreme Court, which is made up of five judges, in March accepted the argument by Lula's defence that Moro's political bias was evident when he was appointed justice minister by Bolsonaro. The Supreme Court itself later ratified that ruling by a vote of seven to four. Also read | Brazil Supreme Court judge clears ex-president Lula of corruption charges Mendes' decision extends that ruling to the other two cases Moro brought against the former president in Curitiba. One case is related to the refurbishment of a farm in Sao Paulo state and the other to the purchase of land for the Lula Institute. The former president, who was in office from 2003-2010, has always professed his innocence, but still faces three other trials, one in Brasilia and two in Sao Paulo.

Brazil judge annuls all of Moro's cases against ex-president Lula

They say Brazil is polarized under far-right President Jair&nbsp;Bolsonaro, but the divide was literal Friday when he boarded a commercial plane to greet supporters in the front -- as opponents booed him at the top of their lungs from the back.

Visiting the southeastern state of Espirito Santo to inaugurate a public works project,&nbsp;Bolsonaro&nbsp;took a moment at the airport to briefly enter a departing plane and say hello.

It was all smiles in the roomier, more-expensive front of the plane, as seen in a video he posted on Twitter of himself snapping selfies with passengers and crew.

But videos from the back of the coach posted on social media show a riotous scene as passengers waved the middle finger and hurled protest slogans at the president, including "Get out,&nbsp;Bolsonaro!" and "Genocidal maniac!"

That is a reference to the president's widely questioned handling of Covid-19, which has claimed more than 480,000 lives in Brazil, second only to the United States.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazilians-stage-nationwide-protests-against-president-bolsonaros-covid-response-388301">Also Read |&nbsp;Brazilians stage nationwide protests against President Bolsonaro's Covid response</a>

Responding to the boos,&nbsp;Bolsonaro&nbsp;removed his face mask to joke, "Those people saying 'Get out,&nbsp;Bolsonaro' should be traveling by donkey."

Brazilian media reports said he had also removed his mask in the airport, in violation of regulations in place to contain the pandemic.

The president's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Bolsonaro&nbsp;has frequently criticized face masks, lockdowns, and vaccines to fight the pandemic, instead of touting the medication chloroquine despite studies showing it is ineffective against Covid-19.

The plane episode turned into a top trending topic on Twitter in Brazil, under the tag "ForaBolsonaro" (Get out,&nbsp;Bolsonaro).

The president's disapproval rating has risen sharply along with the death toll from Covid-19, and opponents are increasingly ready to take to the streets in protest despite the pandemic.

They have called for new demonstrations Sunday, on the opening day of the Copa America, the South American football championships.

Bolsonaro&nbsp;controversially defied warnings from epidemiologists to bring the tournament to Brazil when original hosts Argentina and Colombia fell through because of surging Covid-19 caseloads and social unrest.

They say Brazil is polarized under far-right President Jair Bolsonaro, but the divide was literal Friday when he boarded a commercial plane to greet supporters in the front -- as opponents booed him at the top of their lungs from the back.

They say Brazil is polarized under far-right President Jair Bolsonaro, but the divide was literal Friday when he boarded a commercial plane to greet supporters in the front -- as opponents booed him at the top of their lungs from the back. Visiting the southeastern state of Espirito Santo to inaugurate a public works project, Bolsonaro took a moment at the airport to briefly enter a departing plane and say hello. It was all smiles in the roomier, more-expensive front of the plane, as seen in a video he posted on Twitter of himself snapping selfies with passengers and crew. But videos from the back of the coach posted on social media show a riotous scene as passengers waved the middle finger and hurled protest slogans at the president, including "Get out, Bolsonaro!" and "Genocidal maniac!" That is a reference to the president's widely questioned handling of Covid-19, which has claimed more than 480,000 lives in Brazil, second only to the United States. Also Read | Brazilians stage nationwide protests against President Bolsonaro's Covid response Responding to the boos, Bolsonaro removed his face mask to joke, "Those people saying 'Get out, Bolsonaro' should be traveling by donkey." Brazilian media reports said he had also removed his mask in the airport, in violation of regulations in place to contain the pandemic. The president's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Bolsonaro has frequently criticized face masks, lockdowns, and vaccines to fight the pandemic, instead of touting the medication chloroquine despite studies showing it is ineffective against Covid-19. The plane episode turned into a top trending topic on Twitter in Brazil, under the tag "ForaBolsonaro" (Get out, Bolsonaro). The president's disapproval rating has risen sharply along with the death toll from Covid-19, and opponents are increasingly ready to take to the streets in protest despite the pandemic. They have called for new demonstrations Sunday, on the opening day of the Copa America, the South American football championships. Bolsonaro controversially defied warnings from epidemiologists to bring the tournament to Brazil when original hosts Argentina and Colombia fell through because of surging Covid-19 caseloads and social unrest.

Bolsonaro booed on plane, tells critics to 'take a donkey'

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

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

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

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

Thousands of people in Brazil staged another day of protest against President Jair Bolsonaro, in particular for his chaotic handling of the pandemic.

Brazil: Thousands protest against President Bolsonaro's COVID response

Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro has been fined for not adhering to the coronavirus regulations imposed by the health officials of the country.

The fine came as the President participated in a mega motorcade rally along Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro.
<img alt="Bolsonaro" data-align="center" data-caption="Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro (C) greets his supporters as he gives a speech in front of the World War II Brazilian Veterans monument, after leading a motorcade rally in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on May 23, 2021.&amp;nbsp;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="beeb6fde-c4dd-4eb1-ac61-e3fb3aaee451" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Bolsonaro%20%281%29.jpg" />
Bolsonaro was spotted participating in the motorcade dressed in a black jacket and helmet. However, face mask and social distancing were missing from the rally.

His rally came as the country has been under strict orders of not hosting gatherings of more than 100 people and face masks are a compulsion for everyone stepping outside.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bolsonaro-leads-motorcade-rally-in-rio-de-janeiro-amid-coronavirus-surge-386938">Watch |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bolsonaro-leads-motorcade-rally-in-rio-de-janeiro-amid-coronavirus-surge-386938/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The case has been filed against the country’s President “for the promotion in Maranhao of gatherings with no sanitary safeguards. The law applies to everyone,” Flavio Dino, governor and member of Communist Party of Brazil said, describing Bolsonaro as a “chubby dictator”.

Bolsonaro has been given a period of 15 days to respond to appeal, following which a fine amount will be decided by the court.

Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro has been fined for not adhering to the coronavirus regulations imposed by the health officials of the country. The fine came as the President participated in a mega motorcade rally along Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro.

Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro has been fined for not adhering to the coronavirus regulations imposed by the health officials of the country. The fine came as the President participated in a mega motorcade rally along Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro. Bolsonaro was spotted participating in the motorcade dressed in a black jacket and helmet. However, face mask and social distancing were missing from the rally. His rally came as the country has been under strict orders of not hosting gatherings of more than 100 people and face masks are a compulsion for everyone stepping outside. Watch | The case has been filed against the country’s President “for the promotion in Maranhao of gatherings with no sanitary safeguards. The law applies to everyone,” Flavio Dino, governor and member of Communist Party of Brazil said, describing Bolsonaro as a “chubby dictator”. Bolsonaro has been given a period of 15 days to respond to appeal, following which a fine amount will be decided by the court.

'Chubby dictator': Bolsonaro fined for flouting covid restrictions

Despite the rage in Coronavirus Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro lead a motorcade rally in Rio de Janeiro amid harsh criticism over his management of the pandemic.

Bolsonaro leads motorcade rally in Rio de Janeiro amid Coronavirus surge

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

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

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

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

President Jair Bolsonaro on Wednesday said that the Coronavirus may have been made in a laboratory to wage 'biological warfare', in the latest comments likely to strain Brazil's relations with China.

Brazil President Bolsonaro suggests Coronavirus is part of 'biological warfare'

Brazilian President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/jair-bolsonaro">Jair Bolsonaro </a>said on Wednesday that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">novel coronavirus </a>may have been created to wage "biological warfare" in a veiled reference to China.&nbsp;

The remarks became even sharper when Bolsonaro talked about the country whose GDP has "grown the most" . China is the only country amongst the G20 nations whose economy rose last year with a 2.3 per cent expansion. &nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/brazil-prez-bolsonaro-takes-birthday-swipe-at-covid-19-restrictions-372298/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"It's a new virus. Nobody knows whether it was born in a laboratory or because a human ate some animal they shouldn't have," Bolsonaro was quoted as saying by news agency AFP.

"But the military knows all about chemical, biological and radiological warfare. Could we be fighting a new war? I wonder. Which country's GDP has grown the most?"

Also read | <a href="http://wionews.com/world/bolsonaro-was-warned-about-brazils-covid-crisis-former-health-minister-382919">Bolsonaro was warned about Brazil's Covid crisis: Former health minister</a>

The Brazilian president and his close aides have in the past too slammed China something which has strained relations with Brazil's biggest trading partner.&nbsp;

Brazil's former foreign minister Ernesto Araujo was replaced after he criticised "Maoist China" and its aim for "world domination". &nbsp;

Supporters of right-wing leaders like Bolsonaro and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump </a>have backed the theory that the virus originated in a lab in China's Wuhan, the virus's first epicentre.&nbsp;

However, World Health Organization (WHO) in its March report concluded that it's "extremely unlikely" that Covid-19 originated in a lab.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro said on Wednesday that the novel coronavirus may have been created to wage "biological warfare" in a veiled reference to China.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro said on Wednesday that the novel coronavirus may have been created to wage "biological warfare" in a veiled reference to China. The remarks became even sharper when Bolsonaro talked about the country whose GDP has "grown the most" . China is the only country amongst the G20 nations whose economy rose last year with a 2.3 per cent expansion. Watch | "It's a new virus. Nobody knows whether it was born in a laboratory or because a human ate some animal they shouldn't have," Bolsonaro was quoted as saying by news agency AFP. "But the military knows all about chemical, biological and radiological warfare. Could we be fighting a new war? I wonder. Which country's GDP has grown the most?" Also read | Bolsonaro was warned about Brazil's Covid crisis: Former health minister The Brazilian president and his close aides have in the past too slammed China something which has strained relations with Brazil's biggest trading partner. Brazil's former foreign minister Ernesto Araujo was replaced after he criticised "Maoist China" and its aim for "world domination". Supporters of right-wing leaders like Bolsonaro and Donald Trump have backed the theory that the virus originated in a lab in China's Wuhan, the virus's first epicentre. However, World Health Organization (WHO) in its March report concluded that it's "extremely unlikely" that Covid-19 originated in a lab.

'Military knows all about biological warfare': Bolsonaro's swipe at China over COVID-19

Brazil President was highly criticised for his poor handling of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> in the country, leading to a high Covid death toll.

Now, the country’s former health minister has revealed that Jair Bolsonaro had ignored repeated warnings by health experts, especially even when he was provided with figures and projections.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-kids-are-the-biggest-victims-of-covid-pandemic-382629" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/why-kids-are-the-biggest-victims-of-covid-pandemic-382629&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjk_7XkkbLwAhVBumMGHU0HCBAQFjAGegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2wFGHdcP7eF_NY0hhlIGBk" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-kids-are-the-biggest-victims-of-covid-pandemic-382629" target="_blank">Why kids are the biggest victims of Covid pandemic</a>

The revelation was made by Luiz Henrique Mandetta during a senate inquiry into Brazil’s coronavirus crisis. Mandetta believes the Brazilian president’s careless attitude has been a major reason behind this tragedy in Brazil which has affected millions of people in the country.

When a senator&nbsp;questioned Mandetta if he and his team had made sure Bolsonaro was aware that not paying attention to the advice from medical officers could cause "death on an enormous scale", Mandetta replied, "yes, sir".

"I warned him systematically, with projections even," the 56-year-old further added. This has come after Mandetta had repeatedly claimed that he had warned Bolsonaro 180,000 Brazilians could die by the end of the year if restrictions were not implemented — a piece of advice carelessly ignored by the President.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-alumni-of-singapore-universities-launch-crowdfunding-drive-for-oxygen-concentrators-to-india-382911" hreflang="en">COVID-19: Alumni of Singapore universities launch crowdfunding drive for oxygen concentrators to India</a>

Bringing back the same point, Mandetta pointed out that since restrictions were not implemented, more than 191,000 Brazilians had lost their lives to the deadly virus. "We were off by 11,000," he told the inquiry.

The inquiry was set up last week amid a crisis in the country. "There are culprits … and they will be held responsible," Renan Calheiros, the inquiry’s rapporteur had promised in the beginning of the inquiry. "The country has the right to know who contributed to all these thousands of deaths and those people must be punished immediately and emblematically."

Mandetta was fired publically by Bolsonaro last year after he questioned the President for not following or motivating social distancing or face masks.

"I did everything I could have done in terms of trying to convince him not to go down this extremely perilous path [of rejecting scientific advice]. But he probably had other people telling him that what the health minister was saying was wrong," Mandetta said.

He also presented a three-page letter that he claims to have delivered to&nbsp;Bolsonaro in March 2020. "We expressly recommend that the presidency reconsiders the stance it has adopted, in accord with health ministry guidelines, since taking steps in the opposite direction could cause the health system to collapse and extremely serious consequences for the health of the population," he said.

Brazil President was highly criticised for his poor handling of the coronavirus in the country, leading to a high Covid death toll. Now, the country’s former health minister has revealed that Jair Bolsonaro had ignored repeated warnings by health experts, especially even when he was provided with figures and projections.

Brazil President was highly criticised for his poor handling of the coronavirus in the country, leading to a high Covid death toll. Now, the country’s former health minister has revealed that Jair Bolsonaro had ignored repeated warnings by health experts, especially even when he was provided with figures and projections. Also read | Why kids are the biggest victims of Covid pandemic The revelation was made by Luiz Henrique Mandetta during a senate inquiry into Brazil’s coronavirus crisis. Mandetta believes the Brazilian president’s careless attitude has been a major reason behind this tragedy in Brazil which has affected millions of people in the country. When a senator questioned Mandetta if he and his team had made sure Bolsonaro was aware that not paying attention to the advice from medical officers could cause "death on an enormous scale", Mandetta replied, "yes, sir". "I warned him systematically, with projections even," the 56-year-old further added. This has come after Mandetta had repeatedly claimed that he had warned Bolsonaro 180,000 Brazilians could die by the end of the year if restrictions were not implemented — a piece of advice carelessly ignored by the President. Also read | COVID-19: Alumni of Singapore universities launch crowdfunding drive for oxygen concentrators to India Bringing back the same point, Mandetta pointed out that since restrictions were not implemented, more than 191,000 Brazilians had lost their lives to the deadly virus. "We were off by 11,000," he told the inquiry. The inquiry was set up last week amid a crisis in the country. "There are culprits … and they will be held responsible," Renan Calheiros, the inquiry’s rapporteur had promised in the beginning of the inquiry. "The country has the right to know who contributed to all these thousands of deaths and those people must be punished immediately and emblematically." Mandetta was fired publically by Bolsonaro last year after he questioned the President for not following or motivating social distancing or face masks. "I did everything I could have done in terms of trying to convince him not to go down this extremely perilous path [of rejecting scientific advice]. But he probably had other people telling him that what the health minister was saying was wrong," Mandetta said. He also presented a three-page letter that he claims to have delivered to Bolsonaro in March 2020. "We expressly recommend that the presidency reconsiders the stance it has adopted, in accord with health ministry guidelines, since taking steps in the opposite direction could cause the health system to collapse and extremely serious consequences for the health of the population," he said.

Bolsonaro was warned about Brazil's Covid crisis: Former health minister

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro approved a 24% cut to the environment budget for 2021 from last year's level, on Friday, just one day after he vowed to increase spending to fight deforestation during the climate summit organised by US President Joe Biden.

Brazil chops environmental budget a day after US climate summit pledge

Scuffles broke out in Brazil as supporters of President Jair Bolsonaro clash with the opponents. Protesters are being held on the anniversary of the country's 1964 military coup to oppose the sacking of the three military chiefs and Bolsonaro's handling of the pandemic.

Brazil: Protesters oppose sacking of the 3 military chiefs

A cabinet re-shuffle in Brazil has led to the resignation of the country's top military commanders. As allies desert him ahead of an uphill reelection battle in 2022, there is fear that Jair Bolsonaro may abandon the democratic process.

Gravitas: Brazil's Army, Navy & Air force chiefs resign

COVID-19 cases continue to surge in Brazil, the situation is alarming and this explosion in severe cases has now overwhelmed the country's healthcare system.

Increase in COVID-19 cases overwhelm Brazil's healthcare system

Brazil is in the middle of a twin crisis, a pandemic that is claiming more than 3,000 lives every day and an embattled president whose military chiefs have abandoned him.

President Jair Bolsonaro is losing support among his allies and faces an uphill re-election battle next year.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-brazils-army-navy-air-force-chiefs-resign-374609/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

There are worries that Bolsonaro will stack the army and government with loyalists.

And that if the popular vote is against him possibly even can lead to a military takeover.

Our report decodes more about this.&nbsp;

It's no secret that the Brazilian president is a huge fan of former US president Donald Trump.

Not just his politics it seems, but even his television stint.

Trump's "you're fired" line from the celebrity apprentice is Bolsonaro's new favourite.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/military-chiefs-exit-in-new-turmoil-for-bolsonaro-after-cabinet-shake-up-374345">Military chiefs exit in new turmoil for Bolsonaro after Cabinet shake-up</a>

In the last year, the president has booted out three health ministers and on Monday he went on a firing spree as the foreign, defence and justice ministers were shown the door.

His chief of staff, attorney general and government secretary were also sacked.&nbsp;

Bolsonaro has not explained his decision and only the change of guard at the foreign office was expected.&nbsp;

Ousted minister Ernesto Araújo was a serial denier as he denied globalisation, climate change and importing vaccines against Covid-19.

The last one sealed his political fate.

Bolsonaro's plan is to fill the cabinet with his loyalists.

The president's popularity has hit rock bottom with his rhetoric on masks and lockdowns losing currency.

This reshuffle is the wiggle room he needed.&nbsp;

"These changes have two fundamental objectives, which is what it seems so far. To provide a better relationship between the executive and its legislative support base to reduce the pressure that Bolsonaro has suffered in various sectors of society and also from allies in the national congress, " Creomar De Souza, founder of Dharma political risk and strategy, said.&nbsp;

Bolsonaro plans to beat the Wuhan virus with politics.

His hero tried doing the same and ended up losing the White House.

But Bolsonaro still has a card to play: the military.

All three commanders of Brazil's armed forces have resigned, something that has happened for the first time in the country's history.&nbsp;

The president was keen on their support but the military chiefs wanted nothing to do with politics.&nbsp;

Brazil has seen this before from 1964 to 1985, a military regime ruled the country.

Since the return to democracy, the army has cultivated an apolitical image, something Bolsonaro seems intent to shred.&nbsp;

He openly boasts of the army's support, sings praises of the dictatorship and circles back to his career as an army captain.&nbsp;

Everyone in Brazil is thinking about it, but no one is saying it out loud.

<h2>Is military takeover on the cards?</h2>

The vice president says there are zero risks of that, but closer to elections things may change.

Bolsonaro is up for re-election next year and Brazilians are unlikely to forget how their president left them defenceless against the virus.&nbsp;

More than 317,000 have lost their lives due to coronavirus and Most of them could be avoided.&nbsp;

To make matters worse, a political warhorse is back in the fray.

Former president Lula da Silva has clinched a clean chit from the apex court in a corruption trial.

Opinion polls put the two leaders in a dead heat.

Bolsonaro authored the book on how not to handle a pandemic.

But, nothing in his record suggests he will not lead a military takeover.

It would be disastrous for Brazil and for Latin America.&nbsp;

Two years back, Bolsonaro watched on as the Amazon Rainforests burnt and today, he is leading Brazil's democracy into arson. 
&nbsp;

Brazil is in the middle of a twin crisis, a pandemic that is claiming more than 3,000 lives every day and an embattled president whose military chiefs have abandoned him.

Brazil is in the middle of a twin crisis, a pandemic that is claiming more than 3,000 lives every day and an embattled president whose military chiefs have abandoned him. President Jair Bolsonaro is losing support among his allies and faces an uphill re-election battle next year. Watch | There are worries that Bolsonaro will stack the army and government with loyalists. And that if the popular vote is against him possibly even can lead to a military takeover. Our report decodes more about this. It's no secret that the Brazilian president is a huge fan of former US president Donald Trump. Not just his politics it seems, but even his television stint. Trump's "you're fired" line from the celebrity apprentice is Bolsonaro's new favourite. Also read | Military chiefs exit in new turmoil for Bolsonaro after Cabinet shake-up In the last year, the president has booted out three health ministers and on Monday he went on a firing spree as the foreign, defence and justice ministers were shown the door. His chief of staff, attorney general and government secretary were also sacked. Bolsonaro has not explained his decision and only the change of guard at the foreign office was expected. Ousted minister Ernesto Araújo was a serial denier as he denied globalisation, climate change and importing vaccines against Covid-19. The last one sealed his political fate. Bolsonaro's plan is to fill the cabinet with his loyalists. The president's popularity has hit rock bottom with his rhetoric on masks and lockdowns losing currency. This reshuffle is the wiggle room he needed. "These changes have two fundamental objectives, which is what it seems so far. To provide a better relationship between the executive and its legislative support base to reduce the pressure that Bolsonaro has suffered in various sectors of society and also from allies in the national congress, " Creomar De Souza, founder of Dharma political risk and strategy, said. Bolsonaro plans to beat the Wuhan virus with politics. His hero tried doing the same and ended up losing the White House. But Bolsonaro still has a card to play: the military. All three commanders of Brazil's armed forces have resigned, something that has happened for the first time in the country's history. The president was keen on their support but the military chiefs wanted nothing to do with politics. Brazil has seen this before from 1964 to 1985, a military regime ruled the country. Since the return to democracy, the army has cultivated an apolitical image, something Bolsonaro seems intent to shred. He openly boasts of the army's support, sings praises of the dictatorship and circles back to his career as an army captain. Everyone in Brazil is thinking about it, but no one is saying it out loud. Is military takeover on the cards? The vice president says there are zero risks of that, but closer to elections things may change. Bolsonaro is up for re-election next year and Brazilians are unlikely to forget how their president left them defenceless against the virus. More than 317,000 have lost their lives due to coronavirus and Most of them could be avoided. To make matters worse, a political warhorse is back in the fray. Former president Lula da Silva has clinched a clean chit from the apex court in a corruption trial. Opinion polls put the two leaders in a dead heat. Bolsonaro authored the book on how not to handle a pandemic. But, nothing in his record suggests he will not lead a military takeover. It would be disastrous for Brazil and for Latin America. Two years back, Bolsonaro watched on as the Amazon Rainforests burnt and today, he is leading Brazil's democracy into arson.

As Bolsonaro faces heat, threat of military takeover looms

Despite a months-long rollout of COVID-19 vaccines, the world is in the middle of another wave of infections. Much of Europe is under partial lockdown measures, while in Brazil- President Bolsonaro celebrated his birthday with unmasked supporters. What is causing this latest virus resurgence? WION's Molly Gambhir tells you.

Gravitas: Record surge in COVID-19 cases globally

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro used his 66th birthday to renew attacks on COVID-19 stay-at-home measures, telling supporters that he would fight for their "freedom."

Brazil Prez Bolsonaro takes birthday swipe at COVID-19 restrictions

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

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

Brazil's former leader Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva made his return to politics Wednesday with a virulent attack on President Jair Bolsonaro and his "imbecile" handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

Lula, who led Brazil from 2003 to 2010, has emerged as a leading contender to face the far-right incumbent in presidential elections next year, after a Supreme Court justice annulled the popular but tarnished leftist's corruption convictions Monday, reinstating his right to run for office.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/brazil-supreme-court-judges-clears-lula-of-corruption-charges-369027/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In his first comments since the ruling, Lula, 75, gave a scathing take-down of Bolsonaro's management of the economy and signature policies.

He was especially biting on Bolsonaro's handling of the coronavirus pandemic, which has killed more than 266,000 people in Brazil -- the second-highest death toll worldwide, after the United States.

Bolsonaro has repeatedly downplayed the new coronavirus, flouted expert advice on containing it and fueled vaccine skepticism.

"Don't follow any imbecile decisions by the president of the republic or the health minister: get vaccinated," Lula told a news conference.

Lula, a former metal worker and union leader, led Brazil through an economic boom, and is remembered for social programs that helped lift tens of millions of people from poverty.

Recent opinion polls suggest he is the best-placed politician to unseat Bolsonaro in the October 2022 elections.

But he remains a highly controversial figure after being sentenced to a total of 26 years in jail on corruption charges stemming from a sweeping investigation into a scheme in which top politicians and business executives systematically siphoned billions of dollars from state oil company Petrobras.

He spent more than 18 months in prison, before being released in 2019 pending appeal.

'Unofficial campaign launch'

Lula called himself the victim of "the biggest judicial lie in 500 years," repeating his claim that the graft charges against him were fabricated to sideline him from the 2018 presidential race, which Bolsonaro ultimately won.

He said he planned to "fight tirelessly" for Brazil, and that he wanted to resume touring the country once he is vaccinated against Covid-19 next week.

But he declined to say whether he would run in the elections, saying "my head doesn't have time to think about a 2022 candidacy now."

Still, "his speech was a campaign launch" in all but name, said political analyst Creomar da Souza, of the consulting firm Dharma.

"He presented his project for the country, which involves a lot of references to his legacy as president," he said

Lula is still seen as a hero on the left, which argues he was the victim of a conspiracy.

Supporters point to the fact that the lead judge in the anti-corruption probe that ensnared him, Sergio Moro, went on to accept the post of justice minister under Bolsonaro, and that hacked phone messages suggest Moro conspired with prosecutors to ensure Lula was sidelined.

But Lula still faces a series of corruption and influence-peddling charges, including the ones he was jailed for, which will now be transferred to a federal court in Brasilia.

The surprise restoration of&nbsp;Lula's political rights could set up a showdown between the leftist, who governed Brazil from 2003 until 2011, against Bolsonaro in next year's election.

Brazil's former leader Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva made his return to politics Wednesday with a virulent attack on President Jair Bolsonaro and his "imbecile" handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

Brazil's former leader Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva made his return to politics Wednesday with a virulent attack on President Jair Bolsonaro and his "imbecile" handling of the coronavirus pandemic. Lula, who led Brazil from 2003 to 2010, has emerged as a leading contender to face the far-right incumbent in presidential elections next year, after a Supreme Court justice annulled the popular but tarnished leftist's corruption convictions Monday, reinstating his right to run for office. In his first comments since the ruling, Lula, 75, gave a scathing take-down of Bolsonaro's management of the economy and signature policies. He was especially biting on Bolsonaro's handling of the coronavirus pandemic, which has killed more than 266,000 people in Brazil -- the second-highest death toll worldwide, after the United States. Bolsonaro has repeatedly downplayed the new coronavirus, flouted expert advice on containing it and fueled vaccine skepticism. "Don't follow any imbecile decisions by the president of the republic or the health minister: get vaccinated," Lula told a news conference. Lula, a former metal worker and union leader, led Brazil through an economic boom, and is remembered for social programs that helped lift tens of millions of people from poverty. Recent opinion polls suggest he is the best-placed politician to unseat Bolsonaro in the October 2022 elections. But he remains a highly controversial figure after being sentenced to a total of 26 years in jail on corruption charges stemming from a sweeping investigation into a scheme in which top politicians and business executives systematically siphoned billions of dollars from state oil company Petrobras. He spent more than 18 months in prison, before being released in 2019 pending appeal. 'Unofficial campaign launch' Lula called himself the victim of "the biggest judicial lie in 500 years," repeating his claim that the graft charges against him were fabricated to sideline him from the 2018 presidential race, which Bolsonaro ultimately won. He said he planned to "fight tirelessly" for Brazil, and that he wanted to resume touring the country once he is vaccinated against Covid-19 next week. But he declined to say whether he would run in the elections, saying "my head doesn't have time to think about a 2022 candidacy now." Still, "his speech was a campaign launch" in all but name, said political analyst Creomar da Souza, of the consulting firm Dharma. "He presented his project for the country, which involves a lot of references to his legacy as president," he said Lula is still seen as a hero on the left, which argues he was the victim of a conspiracy. Supporters point to the fact that the lead judge in the anti-corruption probe that ensnared him, Sergio Moro, went on to accept the post of justice minister under Bolsonaro, and that hacked phone messages suggest Moro conspired with prosecutors to ensure Lula was sidelined. But Lula still faces a series of corruption and influence-peddling charges, including the ones he was jailed for, which will now be transferred to a federal court in Brasilia. The surprise restoration of Lula's political rights could set up a showdown between the leftist, who governed Brazil from 2003 until 2011, against Bolsonaro in next year's election.

Former Brazilian President Zula blasts 'imbecile' Bolsonaro for mishandling pandemic

Brazil on Tuesday set yet another grim record of highest <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus </a>deaths in a single day with 1,972 new fatalities, according to the Health Ministry.&nbsp;

As many as 70,764 new cases of Covid-19 have been detected in the country in the last 24 hours and 168,370 people have died due to the deadly virus.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/brazil-posts-new-record-of-1972-covid-related-deaths-in-a-single-day-369305/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

&nbsp;The previous record daily death toll was set on March 3 with just over 1,900 deaths. The severity of the crisis in Brazil can be understood from the fact that in recent days, the country is regularly crossing the record death toll.&nbsp;

"The fight against Covid-19 was lost in 2020 and there is not the slightest chance of reversing this tragic circumstance in the first half of 2021," epidemiologist Jesem Orellana of Fiocruz/Amazonia told news agency AFP.

"The best we can do is hope for the miracle of mass vaccination or a radical change in the management of the pandemic."

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-finds-missing-case-of-brazil-variant-claims-no-sign-it-has-spread-368354">UK finds missing case of Brazil variant, claims no sign it has spread</a>

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been severely criticised for his response to the pandemic, which includes downplaying the threat of Covid-19 and flouting social distancing and mask-wearing rules to contain the spread of the deadly virus.&nbsp;

The vaccination program is also being conducted in the country at a slow pace any so far only 8.6 million people or 4.1 per cent of the population have received the first dose of the vaccine.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Brazil on Tuesday set yet another grim record of highest coronavirus deaths in a single day with 1,972 new fatalities, according to the Health Ministry. As many as 70,764 new cases of Covid-19 have been detected in the country in the last 24 hours and 168,370 people have died due to the deadly virus.

Brazil on Tuesday set yet another grim record of highest coronavirus deaths in a single day with 1,972 new fatalities, according to the Health Ministry. As many as 70,764 new cases of Covid-19 have been detected in the country in the last 24 hours and 168,370 people have died due to the deadly virus. Watch | The previous record daily death toll was set on March 3 with just over 1,900 deaths. The severity of the crisis in Brazil can be understood from the fact that in recent days, the country is regularly crossing the record death toll. "The fight against Covid-19 was lost in 2020 and there is not the slightest chance of reversing this tragic circumstance in the first half of 2021," epidemiologist Jesem Orellana of Fiocruz/Amazonia told news agency AFP. "The best we can do is hope for the miracle of mass vaccination or a radical change in the management of the pandemic." Also read | UK finds missing case of Brazil variant, claims no sign it has spread Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been severely criticised for his response to the pandemic, which includes downplaying the threat of Covid-19 and flouting social distancing and mask-wearing rules to contain the spread of the deadly virus. The vaccination program is also being conducted in the country at a slow pace any so far only 8.6 million people or 4.1 per cent of the population have received the first dose of the vaccine.

With 1,972 new fatalities, Brazil yet again sees record Covid-19 deaths

"Stop whining. How long are you going to keep crying about it?", says Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro to its citizens over COVID-19 pandemic.

'We've all the vaccine needed': Jair Bolsonaro

President Jair&nbsp;Bolsonaro&nbsp;on Thursday urged Brazilians to "stop whining" about Covid-19&nbsp;and assured them&nbsp;he had secured enough vaccines, in his latest remarks attacking distancing measures and downplaying the gravity of the pandemic.

The latest controversial comments from the far-right leader, who regularly flouts expert advice on fighting the new coronavirus despite having contracted it himself last year, came after Brazil registered its second daily record of Covid-19 deaths in as many days, leading some cities and states to go back on partial lockdown.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alarming-situation-in-brazil-as-record-covid-19-death-toll-seen-for-second-straight-day-367800/amp">'Alarming' situation in Brazil as record Covid-19 death toll seen for second straight day</a>

<ul>
</ul>

"Stop whining. How long are you going to keep crying about it?"&nbsp;Bolsonaro&nbsp;said at an inauguration ceremony for a new railroad line in the central state of Goais.

"How long are you going to stay home? How long are you going to keep everything closed? People can't take it anymore," he added.

"We regret the deaths.... But where's Brazil going to end up if we just close everything?"

The Health Ministry registered 75,102 additional cases of coronavirus on Thursday, the most in a single day since July and the second-highest on record. Brazil also recorded 1,699, decreasing slightly from the previous two days of record deaths.

Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-a-hanuman-image-brazil-president-bolsonaro-thanks-pm-modi-for-covid-vaccines-358644">With a Hanuman image, Brazil President Bolsonaro thanks PM Modi for COVID vaccines</a>

Brazil's surging second wave has triggered new restrictions in its capital, Brasilia, and its largest city, Sao Paulo. Tourist mecca Rio de Janeiro on Thursday announced a city-wide curfew and early closing time for restaurants.

The federal government has been slow to purchase and distribute vaccines, with less than 3.5 per cent&nbsp;of the population having gotten one shot.

Bolsonaro's comments came as a growing list of cities and states announced new partial lockdown measures, including the city of Rio de Janeiro and state of Sao Paulo.

The hard-hit country of 212 million people is having its deadliest week of the pandemic, with an average of more than 1,300 deaths per day over the past seven days.

An explosion of cases blamed partly on a new variant of the virus that emerged in the Amazon rainforest has filled intensive care units almost to capacity in many areas.

Bolsonaro&nbsp;has stoked controversy throughout the pandemic by comparing the virus to a "little flu," railing against stay-at-home measures and face masks, joking that getting vaccinated could "turn you into an alligator," and pushing the medication hydroxychloroquine despite studies showing it is ineffective against Covid-19.

Government-affiliated medical institute Fiocruz said that it has detected the Amazon, United Kingdom and South African variants spreading in various places across the country.

State governors and doctors have complained that the federal government has mismanaged the coronavirus crisis, as&nbsp;Bolsonaro&nbsp;has downplayed its severity and opposed lockdowns.

Nevertheless,&nbsp;Bolsonaro's popularity has been supported by 322 billion reais ($57.7 billion) in emergency aid payments to poorer Brazilians last year.

The Senate voted on Thursday to renew the aid program at a smaller scale, handing out 250 reais per month for four months, at a cost of up to 44 billion reais. The proposal must still be approved by Brazil's lower house of Congress.

President Jair Bolsonaro on Thursday urged Brazilians to "stop whining" about Covid-19 and assured them he had secured enough vaccines, in his latest remarks attacking distancing measures and downplaying the gravity of the pandemic.

President Jair Bolsonaro on Thursday urged Brazilians to "stop whining" about Covid-19 and assured them he had secured enough vaccines, in his latest remarks attacking distancing measures and downplaying the gravity of the pandemic. The latest controversial comments from the far-right leader, who regularly flouts expert advice on fighting the new coronavirus despite having contracted it himself last year, came after Brazil registered its second daily record of Covid-19 deaths in as many days, leading some cities and states to go back on partial lockdown. Also read| 'Alarming' situation in Brazil as record Covid-19 death toll seen for second straight day "Stop whining. How long are you going to keep crying about it?" Bolsonaro said at an inauguration ceremony for a new railroad line in the central state of Goais. "How long are you going to stay home? How long are you going to keep everything closed? People can't take it anymore," he added. "We regret the deaths.... But where's Brazil going to end up if we just close everything?" The Health Ministry registered 75,102 additional cases of coronavirus on Thursday, the most in a single day since July and the second-highest on record. Brazil also recorded 1,699, decreasing slightly from the previous two days of record deaths. Also read| With a Hanuman image, Brazil President Bolsonaro thanks PM Modi for COVID vaccines Brazil's surging second wave has triggered new restrictions in its capital, Brasilia, and its largest city, Sao Paulo. Tourist mecca Rio de Janeiro on Thursday announced a city-wide curfew and early closing time for restaurants. The federal government has been slow to purchase and distribute vaccines, with less than 3.5 per cent of the population having gotten one shot. Bolsonaro's comments came as a growing list of cities and states announced new partial lockdown measures, including the city of Rio de Janeiro and state of Sao Paulo. The hard-hit country of 212 million people is having its deadliest week of the pandemic, with an average of more than 1,300 deaths per day over the past seven days. An explosion of cases blamed partly on a new variant of the virus that emerged in the Amazon rainforest has filled intensive care units almost to capacity in many areas. Bolsonaro has stoked controversy throughout the pandemic by comparing the virus to a "little flu," railing against stay-at-home measures and face masks, joking that getting vaccinated could "turn you into an alligator," and pushing the medication hydroxychloroquine despite studies showing it is ineffective against Covid-19. Government-affiliated medical institute Fiocruz said that it has detected the Amazon, United Kingdom and South African variants spreading in various places across the country. State governors and doctors have complained that the federal government has mismanaged the coronavirus crisis, as Bolsonaro has downplayed its severity and opposed lockdowns. Nevertheless, Bolsonaro's popularity has been supported by 322 billion reais ($57.7 billion) in emergency aid payments to poorer Brazilians last year. The Senate voted on Thursday to renew the aid program at a smaller scale, handing out 250 reais per month for four months, at a cost of up to 44 billion reais. The proposal must still be approved by Brazil's lower house of Congress.

Bolsonaro tells Brazilians to 'stop whining' over coronavirus vaccines

With 1,910 new deaths due to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">novel coronavirus</a>, Brazil on Wednesday for the second consecutive day registered a record death toll.&nbsp;

Brazil has witnessed 259,271 deaths, according to the health ministry, the second-highest worldwide, after the United States.

"For the first time since the pandemic began, we are seeing a deterioration across the entire country," public health institute Fiocruz said before the latest figures were announced.

"The situation is alarming."

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/second-covid-wave-leaves-brazils-healthcare-in-shambles-367647/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

On Tuesday, Brazil set a new record of 1,641 deaths in the last 24 hours.&nbsp;

This week the average of 1,331 deaths per day has been the deadliest of the country since the pandemic began in 2019.&nbsp;

President Jair Bolsonaro has been criticised for downplaying the pandemic, not taking strong measures and expressing scepticism on the Covid-19 vaccines.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazils-covid-crisis-is-a-warning-to-the-whole-world-scientists-say-367778">Brazil’s Covid crisis is a warning to the whole world, scientists say</a>

Holidays and carnival seasons also led to large gatherings and parties which are responsible for the latest surge in the country.

Brazil is also struggling to contain the new variant found in the Amazon city of Manaus which has caused a recent spike in the number of infections.&nbsp;

The intensive care units in 19 Brazilian states are 80 per cent full, Fiocruz said, bringing the health system on the brink of a collapse.&nbsp;

To control the massive spread, several Brazilian states and cities are reimposing curfews and restrictions, despite Bolsonaro threatening to cut off funding.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

With 1,910 new deaths due to novel coronavirus, Brazil on Wednesday for the second consecutive day registered a record death toll. Brazil has witnessed 259,271 deaths, according to the health ministry, the second-highest worldwide, after the United States.

With 1,910 new deaths due to novel coronavirus, Brazil on Wednesday for the second consecutive day registered a record death toll. Brazil has witnessed 259,271 deaths, according to the health ministry, the second-highest worldwide, after the United States. "For the first time since the pandemic began, we are seeing a deterioration across the entire country," public health institute Fiocruz said before the latest figures were announced. "The situation is alarming." Watch | On Tuesday, Brazil set a new record of 1,641 deaths in the last 24 hours. This week the average of 1,331 deaths per day has been the deadliest of the country since the pandemic began in 2019. President Jair Bolsonaro has been criticised for downplaying the pandemic, not taking strong measures and expressing scepticism on the Covid-19 vaccines. Also read | Brazil’s Covid crisis is a warning to the whole world, scientists say Holidays and carnival seasons also led to large gatherings and parties which are responsible for the latest surge in the country. Brazil is also struggling to contain the new variant found in the Amazon city of Manaus which has caused a recent spike in the number of infections. The intensive care units in 19 Brazilian states are 80 per cent full, Fiocruz said, bringing the health system on the brink of a collapse. To control the massive spread, several Brazilian states and cities are reimposing curfews and restrictions, despite Bolsonaro threatening to cut off funding.

'Alarming' situation in Brazil as record Covid-19 death toll seen for second straight day

Brazil's Congress on Monday elected two allies of President Jair Bolsonaro to head the Senate and lower house, an important victory for the far-right leader as he seeks to re-galvanize his reelection efforts for 2022.

Arthur Lira of the Progressives (PP) won in the first round of votes for speaker of the Chamber of Deputies by 302 votes out of 513. Earlier, the Democrats' (DEM) Rodrigo Pacheco was elected Senate speaker with 57 out of 81 votes.

Bolsonaro hailed the results on Twitter, posting photos of himself with the new congressional leaders.

He had gotten personally involved in the leadership battles in both houses of the legislature, looking to improve his troubled relations with Congress and stave off the 61 impeachment requests he is facing.

The speakers of the Senate and Chamber of Deputies, who are elected for two-year terms by their colleagues, are key gate-keepers in Brazilian politics, with the power to decide which legislation comes up for a vote.

The lower-house speaker also has the power to accept or shelve motions to impeach the president -- no small matter for the leader dubbed the "Tropical Trump," who has racked up dozens of such requests halfway into his four-year term.

Lira promised "neutrality" in leading the House and asked for a minute of silence to honor the victims of Covid-19.

Bolsonaro, who currently has no political party, has struggled to get legislation passed in Congress, and is increasingly unpopular amid a raging second wave of Covid-19 in Brazil.

He won the election in 2018 with support from the business sector, vowing to push through a long-delayed program of privatizations and austerity reforms.

But he has made virtually no progress on that agenda. Instead, the economy has taken a beating from the pandemic, which Bolsonaro has insistently downplayed.

Seeking to use the leadership votes to bolster his clout with Congress, Bolsonaro struck an alliance with a coalition known as the "Centrao," or "big center," a loose group of parties whose priority has traditionally been gaining access to pork and government posts.

Bolsonaro 'held hostage'?

The main challenge to Lira came from Baleia Rossi of the Brazilian Democratic Movement (MDB), the candidate backed by previous lower-house speaker Rodrigo Maia (DEM).

Maia has a strained relationship with Bolsonaro, and reacted furiously when other lawmakers from his party defied him to back Lira.

He reportedly threatened to use his last day in the speaker's seat to open impeachment proceedings against Bolsonaro, before backtracking.

Bolsonaro faces some 20 impeachment motions over his chaotic handling of the pandemic, plus dozens more over alleged anti-democratic actions, environmental crimes and hate speech.

The voting process in the lower house could stretch into the early hours of Tuesday.

Even if Bolsonaro gets his candidate elected, he could still struggle to get things done in Brasilia before he comes up for reelection next year.

The "Centrao" is a demanding and fickle ally, whose betrayal played a key role in the impeachment and downfall of former president Dilma Rousseff in 2016, political analysts warned.

"The 'Centrao' is loyal when conditions are right. And currently, that's far from a given, with an extremely fragile economy and Bolsonaro's popularity falling," said political scientist Thiago Vidal of the consulting firm Prospectiva

Brazil's Congress on Monday elected two allies of President Jair Bolsonaro to head the Senate and lower house, an important victory for the far-right leader as he seeks to re-galvanize his reelection efforts for 2022.

Brazil's Congress on Monday elected two allies of President Jair Bolsonaro to head the Senate and lower house, an important victory for the far-right leader as he seeks to re-galvanize his reelection efforts for 2022. Arthur Lira of the Progressives (PP) won in the first round of votes for speaker of the Chamber of Deputies by 302 votes out of 513. Earlier, the Democrats' (DEM) Rodrigo Pacheco was elected Senate speaker with 57 out of 81 votes. Bolsonaro hailed the results on Twitter, posting photos of himself with the new congressional leaders. He had gotten personally involved in the leadership battles in both houses of the legislature, looking to improve his troubled relations with Congress and stave off the 61 impeachment requests he is facing. The speakers of the Senate and Chamber of Deputies, who are elected for two-year terms by their colleagues, are key gate-keepers in Brazilian politics, with the power to decide which legislation comes up for a vote. The lower-house speaker also has the power to accept or shelve motions to impeach the president -- no small matter for the leader dubbed the "Tropical Trump," who has racked up dozens of such requests halfway into his four-year term. Lira promised "neutrality" in leading the House and asked for a minute of silence to honor the victims of Covid-19. Bolsonaro, who currently has no political party, has struggled to get legislation passed in Congress, and is increasingly unpopular amid a raging second wave of Covid-19 in Brazil. He won the election in 2018 with support from the business sector, vowing to push through a long-delayed program of privatizations and austerity reforms. But he has made virtually no progress on that agenda. Instead, the economy has taken a beating from the pandemic, which Bolsonaro has insistently downplayed. Seeking to use the leadership votes to bolster his clout with Congress, Bolsonaro struck an alliance with a coalition known as the "Centrao," or "big center," a loose group of parties whose priority has traditionally been gaining access to pork and government posts. Bolsonaro 'held hostage'? The main challenge to Lira came from Baleia Rossi of the Brazilian Democratic Movement (MDB), the candidate backed by previous lower-house speaker Rodrigo Maia (DEM). Maia has a strained relationship with Bolsonaro, and reacted furiously when other lawmakers from his party defied him to back Lira. He reportedly threatened to use his last day in the speaker's seat to open impeachment proceedings against Bolsonaro, before backtracking. Bolsonaro faces some 20 impeachment motions over his chaotic handling of the pandemic, plus dozens more over alleged anti-democratic actions, environmental crimes and hate speech. The voting process in the lower house could stretch into the early hours of Tuesday. Even if Bolsonaro gets his candidate elected, he could still struggle to get things done in Brasilia before he comes up for reelection next year. The "Centrao" is a demanding and fickle ally, whose betrayal played a key role in the impeachment and downfall of former president Dilma Rousseff in 2016, political analysts warned. "The 'Centrao' is loyal when conditions are right. And currently, that's far from a given, with an extremely fragile economy and Bolsonaro's popularity falling," said political scientist Thiago Vidal of the consulting firm Prospectiva

Brazil Congress elects Bolsonaro allies as new leaders

jair-bolsonaro

Jair Bolsonaro, News on Jair Bolsonaro, stories on Jair Bolsonaro, articles on Jair Bolsonaro, Jair Bolsonaro stories at Wion, Jair Bolsonaro news, Jair Bolsonaro latest news

jair bolsonaro