‘Nature’, the British scientific journal, has described Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro as a «populist» in the style of former U.S. President Donald Trump, who poses a «threat» to science, indigenous peoples and the development of his own people.
In an editorial published on Wednesday, the magazine reproached Bolsonaro for taking office «denying science, threatening the rights of indigenous peoples and promoting weapons as a solution to security problems», as well as a model of economic development «at all costs».
«Bolsonaro has been true to his word. His mandate has been disastrous for science, the environment and the Brazilian people», remarks the magazine, which has also criticized his government’s cuts in education.
At the same time, it compared him to his «populist ex-colleague in the United States», Donald Trump, with whom he coincides in denying «the warnings of scientists about the coronavirus», as well as «the dangers of the disease».
The publication has not only harshly criticized Bolsonaro, but has also praised some of the funding policies that were carried out during the years of former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s mandate, in education, science and environment.
«For a while, Brazil broke the link between deforestation and the production of raw materials such as beef and soybeans. It looked like the country could pioneer its own brand of sustainable development. Much of this progress has now been dismantled,» the magazine lamented.
