Only 2 of Brazil’s presidential hopefuls have proposals for museums

As the flames consumed Rio de Janeiro’s National Museum, figures from across the political spectrum took to social media to mourn the loss of thousands of items – including precious fossils and pieces of Brazilian history. According to the National Museum Institute, “it was a scenario of total loss.” The museum building has been shut down by the Civil Defense Authority, as it could collapse at any moment.

Virtually every politician running for office in October’s general elections went on their own Twitter rant about the years of neglect from authorities toward the country’s cultural heritage. The Minister of Culture himself admitted this disregard in an interview to Globonews – blaming past administrations. Libertarian candidates used the...