Health Minister Eduardo Pazuello admitted this afternoon that President Jair Bolsonaro is “thinking about substituting” him, after rumors that he could be on his way out before the end of this week.
“The job belongs to the president. The possibility [of being substituted] existed since I took office. I’m available to help and continue our mission. We will conduct the transition in the correct manner,” said Mr. Pazuello, in a media conference.
Meanwhile, as the Health Minister was speaking to the press, President Bolsonaro held a meeting with one of Mr. Pazuello’s potential replacements, Marcelo Queiroga, president of the Brazilian Cardiology Society. Last year, he was nominated for a seat on the National Supplementary Health Agency (ANS) board, which has yet to be confirmed by the Senate. He worked in the health transition team in 2018 ahead of Mr. Bolsonaro taking office.
Despite the rumors surrounding his future, Mr. Pazuello says he will not resign. “I didn’t ask to leave and I will not ask. If I am to be replaced, it’s up to the president.”
Eduardo Pazuello took charge as Health Minister in May of last year, when oncologist Nelson Teich resigned after 29 days in the job. When Mr. Pazuello was given the job, Brazil recorded roughly 15,000 Covid-19 deaths. Ten months on, the total exceeds 278,000.
Speaking to The Brazilian Report, sources from within the Health Ministry reaffirmed today that Mr. Pazuello does not intend to stand down.
Support this coverage →
Search
