In a Christmas message, Bolsonaro thanks health professionals and says he is in solidarity with the families of the victims of Covid-19 | Politics

In the message, Bolsonaro thanked health professionals for their work and said he sympathizes with the families who lost their loved ones during the pandemic. The president did not speak about vaccination or about maintaining isolation strategies and fighting the spread of Covid-19.

“I am grateful and acknowledge the commitment of our health professionals who continued in the exercise of their functions,” declared Bolsonaro (see the full text below).

“On December 25 we will celebrate one of the biggest and most important holidays in Christianity: Christmas. On that occasion, I particularly sympathize with the families who lost loved ones this year. I express my feelings, asking God to comfort hearts. everyone, “he said at another point in the speech.

The first lady thanked “the unity and effort of our volunteers in various fields, especially those who were in the front line”, in addition to expressing her wishes for Merry Christmas and New Year.

The Christmas message was Bolsonaro’s seventh national declaration this year. Five of them were related to the Covid-19 pandemic.

At the beginning of the health crisis in March, the president made four pronouncements. In the first two, Bolsonaro asked the population to follow the recommendations of the health authorities.

But he turned the key on the third statement. He called for an end to “mass confinement”, a “return to normalcy” and said that the media spread “fear”.

In the first statement, Bolsonaro said there was no reason to panic and called for unity although the problem could get worse. That day, Brazil had 13 confirmed cases of Covid-19.

“The moment is for unity. Even if the problem worsens, there is no reason to panic. Strictly following the recommendations of the experts is the best protection measure,” said the president.

In his second speech this year, Bolsonaro asked his followers to reconsider the demonstrations scheduled for March 15. On March 12, Brazil had 77 confirmed cases of Covid-19.

“There is a recommendation from the health authorities to avoid large popular gatherings. We want an active and jealous people for the public, but we can never put the health of our people at risk, “said the president.

Contrary to previous speeches and the recommendations of experts and health authorities, Bolsonaro criticized the request that, if possible, people stay at home. And he blamed the media for spreading, according to him, a sense of “dread.”

It was in this testimony that Bolsonaro stated that if he contracted the virus, he would catch nothing more than a “little cold.” Then he would repeat the phrase at a press conference at the Planalto Palace.

Bolsonaro’s speech generated a reaction from politicians. Senate President Davi Alcolumbre (DEM-AP) said the speech was “serious” and that the country needed “serious leadership.”

The fourth statement on the radio and television network marked the definitive change of tone for the president, who said he was “worried about life” and also about “maintaining jobs.” He said the “remedy” to contain the virus could not be worse than the effects that the pandemic will cause, although he did not directly criticize the isolation.

Bolsonaro used the speeches of the director general of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom, to defend that he needed to look at the economy. “What will become of the street vendor, the street vendor, the grill vendor, the day laborer, the bricklayer’s assistant, the truck driver and the other self-employed, with whom I have been in contact throughout my public life?” .

Bolsonaro asked to return to work, “observing the rules of the Ministry of Health,” and said that the isolation measures are “the sole responsibility” of the governors. The president said he was “sure” that the “great majority” wanted to return to work. According to Datafolha research, at the time, 76% of people thought it was better to stay home.

The president also used the radio and television network to defend the use of hydroxychloroquine, a substance that, after more than eight months, has not yet proven its effectiveness in treating Covid-19.

The sixth pronouncement was shown on Brazil’s Independence Day. Bolsonaro affirmed that he is committed to the Constitution, to the preservation of sovereignty, to democracy and to freedom.

“As we celebrate this special date, I reiterate, as President of the Republic, my love for the country and my commitment to the Constitution and the preservation of sovereignty, democracy and freedom, values ​​that our country never will resign, “he said. President.

See the full statement by President Jair Bolsonaro and First Lady Michelle for Christmas:

“President of the Republic, Jair Bolsonaro: Goodnight everyone! Initially, I would like to thank God and each Brazilian for this year that is ending. 2020 was a year of great challenges for our Brazil and the world. Families, companies, workers, formal and informal, had to change their routines and way of life.

This pandemic that affected the planet required responsibility, courage and effort from all world leaders. Our efforts have always been focused on preserving life and employment, as health and the economy go hand in hand, side by side.

We spare no effort, we work day and night to find and implement the best solutions for the well-being of our people.

Several measures were taken: we instituted Emergency Aid, which helped millions of families. We facilitate and expand credit to small and micro enterprises, we cover part of the workers’ salary, saving millions of jobs.

In health, there was no lack of resources and equipment for all states and municipalities in the fight against the coronavirus, among other actions. These actions have helped our Brazil to advance towards progress and development; even being a reference for other nations.

I appreciate and acknowledge the commitment of our health professionals, who continued in the exercise of their functions. I reaffirm my confidence in Brazil. I will continue to fulfill this noble mission, with the same firmness and disposition, above all with transparency and truth, to serve our Nation well.

On December 25 we will celebrate one of the biggest and most important holidays in Christianity: Christmas. On that occasion, I particularly sympathize with the families who lost their loved ones this year. I express my feelings, asking God to comfort everyone’s heart.

My family and I want the Christmas spirit to be present in every home. May we continue together in 2021, with renewed and strengthened hopes.

First Lady Michelle Bolsonaro: We were planning our actions for 2020 a year ago, however our plans were interrupted by a pandemic. And God, in his greatness and tenderness, encouraged us and presented us with noble missions and actions. It is the right time to say: Gratitude!

Gratitude to God and to all those who helped us on this path. Now Christmas has arrived, a time that leads us to reflect on our attitudes. Always trusting God and doing our part. 2021 is reborn with the desire to do good; value small gestures; to act and give more value to others.

We appreciate the drive and efforts of our volunteers in various areas, especially those who were on the front lines. We wish you a Christmas full of blessings for you and your family. And a new year full of peace, health, love and solidarity.

Jair Bolsonaro: Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.