Bolsonaro promoted “early treatment” drugs like hydroxychloroquine but did not name the drug. Made notorious by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who touted the drug as a miracle treatment for COVID without any medical proof, the anti-malaria drug was eventually found ineffective against the virus.
Hydroxychloroquine was at the center of Brazil’s chaotic pandemic response, which was managed by four different health ministers, two of which resisted Bolsonaro’s claims.
“We don’t understand why many countries, along with much of the media, positioned themselves against early treatment. History and science will know how to hold all of them responsible,” Bolsonaro said.
For more reporting from the Associated Press, see below.
He also praised the government’s generous COVID-19 welfare program that provided monthly payments to Brazil’s poor. Its drawdown, however, fueled poverty.
His presence at the General Assembly itself was something of a provocation, as he flouted the requirement for all attendees to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Infected with the virus last year, he has said several times over the last week he remains unvaccinated and that getting a shot is a personal, medical decision.
“By November, everyone who chooses to be vaccinated in Brazil will be attended to,” Bolsonaro said in his speech. “We support vaccination. However, our government has opposed vaccine passports or any obligation to get a vaccine.”
The right-wing leader is embattled in Brazil as his approval ratings continue tumbling, in large part because the nation has recorded the world’s second-highest COVID-19 death toll, with more than 590,000 dead. That’s equal to the eighth-highest globally on a per capita basis. And Bolsonaro is more isolated internationally than ever following the electoral defeat of his ally, Trump.
Instead, Bolsonaro adopted a defiant tone on Tuesday, hitting talking points similar to those directed toward his base, observed Thomas Traumann, a political analyst.
“He could have given that speech in anywhere in Brazil, and not spent the money to go to New York,” Traumann said.
Bolsonaro said the results stemmed from his administration’s redoubled efforts. Environmentalists say it is too early to know if this is represents a trend and stress that deforestation levels remain elevated.
While Bolsonaro’s fresh environmental pledges and preliminary progress mean Brazil can avoid consumer boycotts, sanctions and general ostracism, there remains skepticism about his commitment, said Brian Winter, vice president for policy at the Americas Society/Council of the Americas.
“Everyone is attuned to the possibility this is just a cynical attempt to buy time by the Bolsonaro administration, making promises for 2030 and beyond knowing they won’t be around to live with the consequences,” Winter said.
