Brazil: Bolsonaro is elected Time Magazine’s “Person of the Year” in readers’ poll

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Regularly confronted with vicious attacks by the overwhelmingly hostile press in his homeland and hate campaigns by powerful press agencies,  more and more people are recognizing the importance of the Brazilian president.

Of the 9 million votes counted in the poll of readers of Time Magazine, the president obtained the support of 24%, more than 2 million votes.

He came in ahead of former U.S. President Donald Trump (9%), and even ahead of front-line health professionals in the fight against the coronavirus (6.3%), who came in third place.

Time refers to Bolsonaro as a “controversial” leader and recalls his intentions to run for re-election in 2022 amid growing rejection of his government’s economic direction. The magazine also cites criticism from politicians, justice and health experts for his handling of the health crisis caused by covid-19 and his skepticism about vaccines.

The news was announced by the Minister of Labor, Onyx Lorenzoni, at a signing ceremony of the terms of authorization for the use of radio frequencies by the winning companies of the auction of 5G bands and celebrated by the president.

“Those who voted for me, thank you very much, then you voted well,” said Bolsonaro.

Time publishes a special edition with the “Person of the Year” since 1927, determined by its readers who are asked to vote for the person having the greatest influence – for better or for worse. U.S. President Joe Biden and his Vice President Kamala Harris were chosen in 2020. In 2019, environmental activist Greta Thunberg was chosen.