Brazil’s Senate has opened investigation into Jair Bolsonaro’s response to the pandemic

The Brazilian Senate on Tuesday opened an investigation into the Jair Bolsonaro government’s response to the coronavirus pandemic, an investigation according to analysts could jeopardize his aspirations for re-election in the 2022 election.

Bolsonaro has been one of the most prominent global critics of restrictions to tackle the pandemic, the effects of which he often downplays. He also encouraged the use of drugs without scientific support and Critics say his policies, along with a slow vaccination campaign, have helped the country record the second-highest death toll from COVID-19 in the world, behind just the United States.

The South American giant has recorded at least 10,000 deaths per week since the end of 2020. In the last three, the figure was slightly lower or higher than 20,000. As of Tuesday, 3,086 new deaths were recorded, a total of more of 395,000. It has also recorded more than 72,000 new positive cases in the past 24 hours, bringing the number to nearly 14.5 million.

While the investigation is not formally into criminal charges, it could lead to charges. Also, surely it will provide months of indictments ahead of next year’s election. Therefore, the investigation could weaken Bolsonaro’s chances of success against his main political rival, former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who recently regained the possibility of running for office after the Supreme Court overturned the convictions. pronounced against him.

The investigation could even hurt Bolsonaro’s chances of reaching a possible second round of the elections, Gilberto Kassab, leader of the Social Democratic Party and ally of the president, said in an interview with the newspaper. Economic value.

Bolsonaro has repeatedly denied being negligent and blaming state governors, saying their activity restrictions do more damage than the virus itself.

Brazilian president he has often ignored expert recommendations and has had four health ministers since taking office in 2019. Although the problems caused by the pandemic in the country have hampered its popularity, recent polls indicate that about a third of Brazilians still support it.

“I don’t know if this investigation is sufficient for an indictment, as it would depend on other factors, but if it increases the possibility,” said Beatriz Rey, a political science expert specializing in Brazil at the American University of Washington. “This investigation will not penalize anyone. It depends on the Attorney General. But the negative exposure will be strong, every day ”.

The commission of inquiry has the power to order documents and witness statements and may present its findings to the police or other authorities empowered to prosecute.

Sunday, the news portal Twitter reported that an internal administrative document provided for 23 possible lines of research, including neglect in the procurement of vaccines and the politicization of the pandemic. Opposition senator Randolfe Rodrigues, a member of the commission, said on Twitter that these 23 indictments are just the beginning.

By MAURICIO SAVARESE (Associated Press)

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