This morning, the Environment Minister flexes his muscles and outmaneuvers the police. Massive agricultural credit program could cause huge problems for Bolsonaro. And the president has found a new coronavirus “miracle treatment.”
Federal Police change shows Environment Minister’s strength
The Federal Police in Amazonas state announced it will swap out its superintendent, immediately after the force issued charges against Environment Minister Ricardo Salles. He is accused of obstruction of justice, criminal association, and influence peddling, allegedly trying to tamper with an investigation that led to the largest illegal timber seizure in Brazilian history.
Why it matters. This is a clear example of political interference in a force which prides itself on being “independent” from the government du jour. It also shows that President Jair Bolsonaro is prepared to ruffle feathers in order to protect his Environment Minister.
What is behind. Government opponents have tried to turn up the pressure on the Mr. Salles, hoping that he would lose his office in the latest cabinet reshuffle. But that seems unlikely to take place any time soon.
- Unlike the cabinet ministers who have fallen by the wayside, the Environment Minister has been extremely effective in his quest to weaken preservation agencies,...