RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – In his Christmas address, President Jair Bolsonaro said that the measures implemented by his government to tackle Covid-19 have made Brazil a reference for other countries.
The President mentioned the emergency aid and credit granted to micro-companies as an example. But he did not speak about the national vaccination campaign, which has been the target of criticism. Other countries in Latin America have already received doses of immunizers against the novel coronavirus and have begun vaccination.
“Several measures were taken, such as the emergency aid, credit for micro-companies and, as a result, we saved millions of jobs. In health, there was no shortage of equipment. These measures have helped Brazil move forward and become a reference for other countries,” said the President, alongside First Lady Michelle Bolsonaro.
Shortly before his statement, Bolsonaro said in his weekly social media live stream that he believes there is a “certain degree of hysteria” regarding travel restrictions imposed to contain the pandemic. In the past, he downplayed the disease – calling it “a minor flu” – and the measures to tackle the pandemic.
In the recording broadcast on national TV, the President thanked healthcare professionals who worked in assisting people infected with the coronavirus. “Our efforts were focused on preserving lives and jobs. Economy and health walk hand in hand.”
At the end, he sent a message to the victims’ families. “I am deeply sympathetic with the families who lost their loved ones this year, may God comfort the hearts of all. And may we continue together in 2021.”
Then the First Lady wished a Merry Christmas. “A year ago we were planning our actions for 2020, but our plans were interrupted by a pandemic,” she said. “We are grateful for the united efforts of our volunteers in several areas, particularly those at the front line.”
Source: UOL