Bolsonaro advocates freedom, considers free circulation decree

In an address today (May 5), during a ceremony at the Planalto presidental palace, Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro talked about the demonstrations held on May 1, Labor Day, and what he referred to “subordinate decrees”--state and municipal law limiting the free circulation of people during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“On the streets, one can hear calls for a decree to be issued on the government’s part. If I issue a decree, it will be executed. It will not be contested by any court,” Bolsonaro said.

The text could be a tool to ensure that Article 5 of the country’s constitution to be respected by states and municipalities, guaranteeing people’s right to come and go, work and conduct economic activities in the context of the pandemic, the president declared.

“We want freedom of flow. We want the freedom to be able to work. We want our right to come and go. No one can challenge that,” he added.

“What the people wants from us is that we follow the guidance provided to them, and Article 5 in its entirety. Is this a crime? The want the right to come and go, go to the beach, go see a friend. They want to see a pastor, go to church, see a priest. What power is this, given to governors and mayors?” he asked.

Hydroxychloroquine

In his address, Bolsonaro once again mentioned the early treatment as a measure to fight the pandemic. In Bolsonaro’s view, hydroxychloroquine has helped decrease the peak of cases in the states of Amazonas, especially the capital Manaus.

According to studies, however, the drug has no efficiency demonstrated against COVID-19.