Coronavirus

? Government consults cabinet about potential state of emergency

News website Crusoé reports that the Jair Bolsonaro government has consulted its cabinet ministers to draw up a report on the possibility of declaring a state of emergency in Brazil.

News website Crusoé reports that the Jair Bolsonaro government has consulted its cabinet ministers to draw up a report on the possibility of declaring a state of emergency in Brazil. 

The definition of a potential state of emergency depends on the circumstances in which it is declared, though it can involve the suspension of constitutional rights, as well as restrictions on the press and citizens’ right to free movement and freedom of assembly.

Such a measure would have to be approved by Congress, however, which would also have a decisive role in deciding which rights may be suspended and what action will be taken.

Government advisors assured that this is not necessarily in the administration’s plans, but they are preparing themselves for potential chaos in the country as the Covid-19 spread is aggravated.

Jair Bolsonaro’s government has been put under increasing pressure in recent weeks due to the president’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic. Citizens have been using their windowsills and balconies as protest venues, holding cacerolazo demonstrations against Jair Bolsonaro.