Bolsonaro Says Leftists Do Not Deserve Treatment as “Normal People”

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – President Jair Bolsonaro attacked leftists on Thursday, January 16th, during a ceremony at the Planalto Palace in Brasília on a change in command of ‘Operação Acolhida’ in support of Venezuelan immigrants. Bolsonaro said the leftists “do not deserve to be treated like normal people”.

“We have another country here in Brazil. I was elected by the people to govern those who in the past have placed the country in trouble. It’s no use feeling angry, blaming others, thinking that without each one doing their part better days will be guaranteed. I ask God to continue blessing our Brazil, open the minds of those siding with the left-wing. That damned left-wing that didn’t work out anywhere and that they want back in power. I thank God for the miracle of the election,” he said.

“Don’t give this left-wing a chance. They don’t deserve to be dealt with as if they were normal people, as if they wished Brazil well, that’s a lie. In 2022 we cannot come to the situation that has befallen Argentina this year or what Chile is experiencing, which is heading toward chaos, socialism,” he added, referring to Argentina’s new president, Alberto Fernández, who beat then-President Mauricio Macri in last year’s election.

Bolsonaro called a Venezuelan boy to his side during the speech. The president criticized the situation in Venezuela under Hugo Chávez and Nicolás Maduro.

“By my side, kids who could be our children and grandchildren. In a moment of reflection, how can a country as rich in oil, gold, and other goods as Venezuela suddenly plunge into poverty? Today’s figures prove it. The minimum wage is R$15 (US$3.75). How do you plunge into a situation like this? It comes from populism, easy talk from leaders who do the job with the poor and humble to achieve their goals,” he said.

“We can’t allow our children to come to the situation of the kids beside us, for these crooks to return to power. I thank God for life and for the mission to lead the destiny of our Brazil, but this responsibility is up to each one of you. I don’t have the strength for just one man to change the destiny of Brazil,” said Bolsonaro.

The president also attacked Fernando Haddad (PT), who was defeated by Bolsonaro in the second round of the 2018 elections. “If Haddad were here, you (Venezuelans) wouldn’t be here. He would be there siding with Maduro. So, what is most sacred to us, which is our freedom, democracy, we have to watch over and fight for it every day. Otherwise, we may fall into the same situation as Venezuela.”