Bolsonaro Raises the Stakes With Brazil Police Chief Nomination
Bolsonaro Cheers on New Protest With Brazil Virus Toll Mounting
(Bloomberg) --
Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro risked fanning political tensions by nominating another ally to head the federal police, a day after participating in a protest against nation’s top court and Congress amid the coronavirus outbreak.
The president on Monday tapped Rolando Alexandre de Souza as police chief, according to a government decree. He is a friend of Bolsonaro’s family and a close aide to his previous nominee, Alexandre Ramagem, whose appointment was blocked by a top court justice last week amid accusations that the president tried to influence police operations.
Federal police are currently carrying out a number of investigations that could potentially implicate the president’s family. Brazil’s presidency declined to comment further on the nomination when contacted by Bloomberg. Brazil’s real dropped 1.8% while the benchmark Ibovespa stock exchange tumbled 3% in late morning as traders said domestic political tensions added to market losses overseas.
Bolsonaro’s decision come as his administration faces crises on multiple fronts. On Saturday, former Justice Minister Sergio Moro testified to law enforcement in detail about Bolsonaro’s alleged wrongdoing. Meanwhile, the local coronavirus death toll is showing no signs of slowing, and the pandemic has delivered a devastating blow to the economy which, by some estimates, will shrink by more than 5% this year.
On Sunday, Bolsonaro waved to crowds of chanting supporters who gathered in front of the presidential palace in defiance of social distancing recommendations, according to a video lasting more than one hour posted on his Facebook page. They set off fireworks and, at one point, draped a large Brazilian flag over the ramp leading down to the street.
The president, who wasn’t wearing a face mask, said the protest was “spontaneous” and showed support for liberty and democracy. He said the population wants a government that can work for Brazil’s future without interference.
“You know that the people are with us,” Bolsonaro said. “The Armed Forces, who are on the side of law, order, democracy and liberty, are also on our side.”
Extremism
Some of Sunday’s protesters railed against Moro, while others called for the ouster of lower house Speaker Rodrigo Maia. National newspaper O Estado de S. Paulo reported that one of its photographers and his driver were attacked by demonstrators, and that they had to leave under police escort. Two of its reporters covering the event were verbally insulted, but not attacked.
The aggression prompted widespread condemnation from authorities including Supreme Court judges, Maia and Sao Paulo state Governor Joao Doria. On Twitter, Maia called for the perpetrators to be punished.
“In Brazil, unfortunately, we are fighting against coronavirus and the virus of extremism, which has the worst effect of ignoring science and denying reality,” Maia wrote. “The path will be more difficult but democracy and Brazilians who want peace will win.”
Bolsonaro, who also condemned the violence on Monday morning, had come under criticism after attending an April 19 protest against social distancing measures where some people also demanded military intervention. As part of measures to fight the virus, the Federal District, where the presidential palace is located, has since made it mandatory for all people outside to wear face masks.
Newspaper Folha de S. Paulo reported Bolsonaro was considering removing Armed Forces head Edson Leal Pujol as part of the shakeup.
Eight Hours
Moro’s testimony involving the president lasted more than eight hours, and he turned over his phone including texts and audio from Bolsonaro and other ministers, according to local media.
His deposition is part of a probe into whether Bolsonaro committed crimes including corruption and identity fraud related to his decision to fire the federal police chief last month. The president has called the accusations unfounded.
“I pray to God that we don’t have any problems this week because we’ve reached the limit. There’s no more talking,” Bolsonaro said on Sunday. “From now on, we won’t just demand, but we will also make sure the Constitution is upheld. It will be upheld at all cost.”
Brazil’s total number of confirmed deaths from coronavirus reached 7,025 while the number of cases rose to 101,147, according to Health Ministry data released on Sunday.
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