Good morning! Vaccine corruption claims edge ever closer to Bolsonaro’s doorstep. Lawmakers set to dilute the government’s tax reform proposal amid business backlash. Brazilian households are saving less money … and drinking more wine.
New investigation raises pressure on Bolsonaro
The Federal Police has officially opened a malfeasance investigation against President Jair Bolsonaro. The probe will analyze whether the head of state was informed about corruption within the Health Ministry and failed to act on it.
Context. Congressman Luis Miranda and his brother, a senior health official, met with Mr. Bolsonaro on March 20. The lawmaker says they told the president about unlawful pressure they were being put under to fast track a USD 300 million deal to purchase 20 million Covaxin doses — to which Mr. Bolsonaro reportedly answered that the contract was the business of his House whip, Ricardo Barros.
- Elected officials and civil servants are obligated to report crimes they are made aware of — failing to do so is considered nonfeasance and, in some cases, malfeasance.
- Appearing on a talk show on Monday, Luis Miranda said he can prove his claims.
Why it matters. Legally speaking, Mr. Bolsonaro has little to fear. Prosecutor General Augusto Aras —...