In the midst of a severe political crisis, Brazil is struggling with a record number of new coronavirus cases. The government confirmed 11,385 new infections within 24 hours, bringing the total number of cases to 188,974. In terms of total infections, Brazil is ahead of France, which reported 177,000 cases, according to official figures.
The five countries that have registered more infections than Brazil are the United States, Spain, Russia, the United Kingdom, and Italy. Still, President Jair Bolsonaro is pushing for a quick reopening of the economy.
Week-long argument with governors
For weeks he has been on a confrontation with the state governors over the restrictions imposed on public life: he believes that losing jobs will do more harm than the disease itself. In return, the states accuse him of the coronavir crisis downplay.
Supreme Court allows proceedings against Bolsonaro
The Department of Commerce predicted yesterday that Brazil’s economy would contract 4.7 percent as a result of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, the largest annual decline since records began over a century ago. The ministry estimates that every week under quarantine measures the economy costs the equivalent of around 3.15 billion euros.
Bolsonaro is currently under political pressure: Due to suspected political interference with the federal police and abuse of office, the Brazilian Supreme Court has approved the opening of proceedings against him.
