Bolsonaro resumes post as president

The president was released from hospital on Monday

Published on 17/09/2019 - 14:21 By Pedro Rafael Vilela - Brasília

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro arrived at the Alvorada presidential residence on Monday afternoon (Sep 16) after being discharged from São Paulo’s Vila Nova Star hospital, where he underwent a surgery to fix an abdominal hernia on September 8.

Bolsonaro told journalists waiting by the entrance of the residence that he would resume his duties on Tuesday (17) and sanction a bill expanding gun possession in rural properties. The measure was approved on August 21 and is pending presidential approval.

When asked whether he would veto any item in the bill, the president added he has not yet read the approved text, but pledged to ensure the right to gun possession. “I will no longer prevent any good citizen from their right to possess or carry a fire gun.”

The bill approved by the Legislative authorizes possession in the whole area of a rural property. The measure ensures that fazenda owners, for example, have the right to carry a fire gun anywhere in his estate. Prior to this change, carrying a gun was only allowed at the headquarters.

UN assembly

The president also said his health is fine, but his pace will only go back to normal after his trip to the US.

According to spokesman Otávio Rêgo Barros, Bolsonaro is expected to fly to New York on September 23. His address at the 74th General Assembly of the United Nations is slated to be delivered. Traditionally, it is the job of the Brazilian head of state to make the opening speech at the yearly event.

Translation: Fabrício Ferreira -  Edition: Juliana Andrade / Nira Foster

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