Recently released figures from Brazil’s National Institute for Space Research (INPE) showed an 83 percent increase in fire outbreaks in Brazil in comparison to the same period in 2018, representing the highest number of blazes since the agency began collecting such data in 2013, Reuters reported.
Yesterday, Macron posted a tweet that described the fires as an “international crisis,” as concern grew around the world over the apparent lack of concern shown by Bolsonaro and his administration.
“Our house is burning. Literally,” Macron said in his tweet. “Members of the G7 Summit, let’s discuss this emergency first order in two days!”
Bolsonaro subsequently responded to Macron by posting a tweet of his own scalding his French counterpart for what he described as a “sensationalist tone,” The Guardian reported.
Following the online spat, Macron accused Bolsonaro of lying to him about Brazil’s stance on climate change at the G20 summit earlier this year. As a result, France may not ratify a trade deal between the European Union and the South American trade bloc Mercosur.
“Given the attitude of Brazil over the last weeks, the president can only conclude that President Bolsonaro lied to him at the Osaka [G20] summit,” a French presidential official said, according to AFP.
“Under these conditions, France will oppose the Mercosur [Free Trade Agreement with the EU] as it stands,” the official added.
