Coronavirus

Despite local shortages, Bolsonaro shipped respirators to Italy

italy coronavirus brazil

On Monday, Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio announced that Brazil was sending a shipment of air-purifying respirators and 2.5 million protection masks. “I thank President Bolsonaro and all the Brazilian government for the great collaboration. Brazil and Italy go hand in hand for a better future,” said Luis Roberto Lorenzato, a Brazil-born Italian member of Congress.

However, the president’s decision to send the shipment was reportedly made against the pleads of Health Minister Luiz Henrique Mandetta—as hospitals in Brazil have reported equipment shortages. According to journalist Ricardo Noblat, Mr. Bolsonaro went through with the move after being pressured by businessmen—without getting into further detail.

Mr. Mandetta later called sending aid to Italy a “Christian gesture.”