The scientific journal Nature described Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro as a “populist” in the style of former US President Donald Trump, saying he represents a “threat” to science, indigenous peoples and the development of his people.
In an editorial published on Wednesday, the magazine accuses Bolsonaro of having taken office “by denying science, threatening the rights of indigenous peoples and promoting weapons as a solution to security problems.”
“Bolsonaro kept his word. His mandate was disastrous for science, for the environment and for the Brazilian people, ”observed the magazine, which also criticized the cuts made by the current Brazilian government in the area of education.
Nature compared Bolsonaro with the “former populist colleague of the United States” Donald Trump, with whom he agreed to deny the “warnings of scientists about the coronavirus” as well as the “dangers of the disease.”
While harshly criticizing Bolsonaro, the magazine praised some of the financing policies carried out during the mandates of former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in areas such as education, science and the environment.
“For some time, Brazil broke the link between deforestation and beef and soy production. It seemed that the country could pioneer its own brand of sustainable development. Much of this progress has been undone,” Nature said.
Lula da Silva and Bolsonaro are competing in the second round of Brazil’s presidential election on Sunday.
Source: TSF
