Coronavirus

Bolsonaro backs off on 30-people barbecue, but hosts ministers

Bolsonaro backs off on 30-people barbecue, but hosts ministers
Photo: Marcos Corrêa/PR

After telling the press he was going to “commit a crime” by hosting a barbecue for “30 or so” people this Saturday, President Jair Bolsonaro backpedaled his plan. Amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, the president announced the gathering on Thursday morning, the same day Brazil reached the 9,000 death mark. 

A few hours later, however, Mr. Bolsonaro took to social media to call out the press for reporting on what he called “a fake invitation.” He also attacked the right-wing Free Brazil Movement (MBL), which filed a lawsuit to prevent the event from happening.

Despite canceling the barbecue, the president is expected to welcome some of his ministers at the Alvorada Palace today. Some ministers were already reported arriving at the presidential residence. As we have reported, Mr. Bolsonaro has made flouting social isolation measures a weekend routine.