Bolsonaro Tests Positive for Coronavirus

July 13, 2020
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro announced Tuesday that he had tested positive for the novel coronavirus (Guardian). Bolsonaro, who had been experiencing flu-like symptoms, was tested for the virus and underwent a lung x-ray on Monday afternoon (Rio Times). Bolsonaro assured supporters in Brasilia Monday night that all was well, and that his lung scan came […]

Brazil Limits Release of COVID-19 Data

June 11, 2020
On Saturday, the Brazilian Health Ministry removed the data from a website that offered information about the progression of the virus throughout the country (Reuters 1). Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro stated via Facebook that the cumulative data did not reflect Brazil’s current situation (BI). The page was taken down Friday and reloaded Saturday, reflecting only […]

Brazil’s Deforestation

April 22, 2020
Brazil’s Environment Minister Ricardo Salles has fired the country’s top environmental enforcement officer after a news program broadcast a dramatic raid on illegal mining in the Amazon (Reuters 1). The move appears to be the latest attempt by the government of President Jair Bolsonaro to undermine the federal environment agency Ibama, which fights against deforestation […]

Bolsonaro Fires Health Minister Following Dispute Over COVID-19

April 22, 2020
On Wednesday, Brazil’s death toll from COVID-19 in Brazil reached 1,736 according to data from the Ministry of Health (Reuters 1). One day later, the Health Minister Henrique Mandetta announced his imminent removal from the position on Friday due to clashes with President Jair Bolsonaro (Reuters 1). The two disagreed on the correct approach to […]