President Jair Bolsonaro said today (26) that Brazil and the world cannot stand a new lockdown, when commenting on the possibility of the arrival of a new variant of covid-19, as is being considered with the strain that appeared in South Africa and that has spread to other countries. This afternoon, he participated in the commemorations of the 76th Anniversary of the Parachute Infantry Brigade, in Rio de Janeiro.
“Anything can happen. A new variant, a new virus. We have to prepare. Brazil, the world, can’t stand a new lockdown. It will condemn everyone to misery and misery leads to death too. It’s no use getting scared. Face reality. O lockdown it was not an appropriate measure. As a result of the ‘stay at home and the economy we’ll see later’ policy, we’re seeing it now. Problems we are having,” said Bolsonaro.
On the possibility of closing borders, the president said that he will not take any irrational measures. He also said that he has no interference in the holding of carnival parties, which are carried out at the state and municipal levels of government.
“I will take rational measures. Carnival, for example, I’m not going to Carnival. The decision rests with governors and mayors. I have no command in fighting the pandemic. The decision was given, by the STF, to governors and mayors. I did my part last year and still do. Resources, material, personnel, emergency issues, such as oxygen in Manaus”, he said.
According to him, Brazil is one of the countries that is doing better in the economy in terms of the pandemic. “We did our part. If my government has no alternatives, everyone will suffer, without exception. There will be no rich, poor, social class. We are sure that these problems can be resolved. Elections are in October of next year. Until then, it’s all about rolling up your sleeves, working. There are 210 million people in Brazil who, in large part, depend on the policies adopted by the government”, he highlighted.
On the approval of the bill that limits the payment of court orders – public debts with a court order for payment -, most of which are many years overdue, Bolsonaro stressed that it will not harm the poorest.
“Debts of up to R$ 600 thousand, we are going to pay. No poor person, who has had money to earn for 20, 30, 40 years, will not be paid. Now, whoever has more than R$ 600 thousand to receive, and God only knows how this precatório appears, we’re going to break it down in installments”, he said.
Parachute Brigade
The president participated in the celebrations of the 76th Anniversary of the Parachute Infantry Brigade, where he served while in the Army. Due to the cancellation last year, due to the pandemic, this year the event involved two groups of 25-year-olds and two 50-year-olds.
The ceremony featured free jumping demonstrations by the Comets, the Army’s Free Jump Team and the Parachute Precursors Company, a prominent troop within the Brigade. There was also a parade of veteran paratroopers.
The Parachute Infantry Brigade, an elite troop with a high level of operation, was created in 1945, having as its origin the Parachute School. Over the past few decades, the Brigade has earned trust and respect in the country and in the international community, due to its participation in several peace operations of the United Nations (UN).
“Returning to this house is an immeasurable emotion. I spent four years here. I feel like that young lieutenant, who arrived here in 1982, with a lot of will and love to serve our country. At that time, I already thought, one day, let’s not just jump off the ramp, we’re going to go up the ramp to the Planalto Central. We arrived at the Presidency of the Republic. We started to impose the rhythm of honesty and patriotism. Problems have happened over the last three years, but we remain firm in the desire to get it right and do the best for our country”, said Bolsonaro, in his speech.
