Happy Monday! This week, Bolsonaro’s trip to Russia. The prospects of legalizing gambling in Brazil. And how the economy affects the president’s re-election chances.
Bolsonaro heads to Russia
President Jair Bolsonaro has stuck to his plan of visiting Russia and Hungary, leaving Brasília later today. He should meet with Vladimir Putin twice (including for a luncheon), as well as visiting the Duma, Russia’s lower house, and meeting with local businessmen.
- The two countries’ Foreign and Defense Ministries will also hold a sit down. As we explained last month, the Brazilian Navy has its sights on Russian submarine technology — and both countries are keen to explore cooperation possibilities.
Save face. Brazilian diplomacy is negotiating with its Russian counterparts to make sure Mr. Bolsonaro doesn’t receive the same treatment as France’s Emmanuel Macron got last week. After refusing to take a Covid test (reportedly over fears of DNA theft), Mr. Macron was kept meters away from Mr. Putin at all times.
- Brazil hopes Mr. Bolsonaro will get the same welcome given to Argentina’s Alberto Fernández, who visited Russia earlier this month.
- The Kremlin, however, has reportedly requested that the Brazilian president and his entourage take up to five Covid...