RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Cheered by an audience of 30,000 in the main arena of the “64ª Festa de Peão Boiadeiro de Barretos” (64th Barretos Cowpoke Festival), in the interior of São Paulo, President Jair Bolsonaro said on Saturday night that he stands “alongside” the supporters of rodeos and “vaquejadas” (bulldogging) and again showed that he is against the “politically correct group” that he claims seeks to obstruct festivals like these in Brazil.
In a ceremony marred by cries of “mito” (legend), the president signed a Decree setting animal welfare standards for animals used in the rodeo.
“I respect all institutions, but I owe you loyalty. Brazil above all. At this time, when many criticize the rodeos and bull-catching, I want to say with great pride that I am with you. There is no political correctness. There is nothing but what needs to be done,” he said.
The president seized the opportunity to remind the audience of his trip to Osaka, Japan, at the G-20 meeting in June. Bolsonaro promised to be a “Shiite” in the fight against the demarcation of indigenous lands or quilombolas.
“For the first time in history, the presidents of the whole world welcomed a president of Brazil on an equal footing. I didn’t come back here to demarcate indigenous lands or quilombolas, being a Shiite on environmental issues. The environment can and will match development,” he said, as he was cheered by the audience.
Before Bolsonaro’s speech, federal deputy Captain Augusto pledged to revamp the parliamentary front, which he presides over today, for the promotion of rodeos and bull-dogging.