The world is currently infested with self-proclaimed specialists. On social media, these ‘virologists’, ‘doctors’ and ‘economists’ are working overtime. Millions of people seem to know exactly what is the best approach to combat the corona crisis. With the danger that the real specialists, the scientists who studied for years, are often no longer heard.
In these uncertain and confusing times, I expect political leaders to at least do their best to follow the advice of the real scientists, to unite the people and, above all, to avoid further unrest . Unfortunately, that is apparently too much to ask in Brazil.
He called it a “flu” for the umpteenth time
In addition to the corona crisis and the accompanying economic crisis, they also know how to add an unprecedented political crisis here. President Bolsonaro is in complete disrepair with the governors of many federal states. Simply put: many governors fear the consequences of the virus and, like most countries, are taking far-reaching measures to prevent it from spreading. But the president doesn’t want to hear about that.
In a bizarre television speech Tuesday evening he ordered his countrymen to return to ‘normal life’. Only people over 60 should take into account social isolation. Aside from the 65-year-old president himself, of course. Because with his ‘athletic background’, the virus says he can do little. He called it a “flu” for the umpteenth time.
Words of compassion for the victims and their relatives were not included
I am no longer surprised at Bolsonaro’s statements. But this time I literally watched television with my mouth open. Words of compassion for the victims and their relatives were not included. Instead, we were presented with first-class ostrich politics. All “hysteria” was the fault of the media, and governors had to stop their “scorched earth” by closing schools, shops, and restaurants.
Of course you can discuss the economic consequences of quarantine measures. In countries with a large informal sector such as Brazil, these hit extra hard. It is imperative to discuss this and to find solutions to it. I think everyone agrees. I am also very concerned about people who lose their jobs and about the social unrest that can subsequently arise here.
Return to your normal life and everything will be fine, or so the thought now seems
But Bolsonaro did not speak about concrete measures to limit the economic damage in his speech. And the measures that were already on the table are at best a drop on a glowing plate. Return to your normal life and everything will be fine, or so the thought now seems. As if the economy is not at risk if healthcare collapses. It’s quite a gamble at the moment, while little is still known about the virus. Who wants to take the risk of Italian and Spanish scenes?
I was not the only one who had listened in amazement. The main news program on Brazilian television last night sent out a series of reactions from influential doctors and economists, all of whom expressed dissatisfaction with the President’s attitude. “Criminal,” “despicable,” and “irresponsible” were some of the words used.
The governor of the state of Goias indicated that he no longer even wants to talk to the president
And then there were Bolsonaro’s own political colleagues. The Brazilian vice president continued to insist that social isolation remains the official government advice. He said the president may not have expressed himself in the best way. Governors who were once allies of Bolsonaro said it a lot less gently: “As president, you must lead by example. You must lead the country, not divide it, ”said the Governor of São Paulo, the epicenter of the corona outbreak in Brazil. The governor of the state of Goias indicated that he no longer even wants to talk to the president.
Meanwhile, most governors have joined even more in their fight against the virus. She does, and that may well be called a small miracle. Because Brazil seems to be more divided than ever at this crucial moment.
–
