Bolsonaro Criticizes Governors for Violating Decree; Governors Assert Autonomy

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – President Jair Bolsonaro used social media to criticize governors who have already spoken out against the decree he signed, which included gyms, beauty salons, and barbershops on the list of essential services.

According to Bolsonaro, establishments of such kind may be reopened even while social isolation measures are in place during the novel coronavirus pandemic.

On Facebook, the President mentioned that “some governors have publicly declared that they will not comply with Decree No. 10.344/2020” and suggested that they seek the courts or Congress.

However, the measure contravenes the Federal Supreme Court (STF) decision of April 15th, which granted states and municipalities full autonomy to decide on the adoption of restrictions and guidelines for social distancing.

The president also reproduced an excerpt of the text on his Twitter:

“Governors who do not agree with the decree may file legal actions in the courts or, through legislators, submit a bill,” he said. For Bolsonaro, to oppose a presidential decree is to “touch on authoritarianism”.

“To challenge the democratic rule of law is the worst path, it touches on the undesirable authoritarianism in Brazil,” he said. And he justified: “Our goal is to serve millions of professionals, most of them humble, who want to return to work and provide health and income to the population”.

Last week, on a visit to the STF, he warned that he would sign other decrees to broaden the list of essential services. That same day, he included building construction and industry.

Governors Assert Local Autonomy

Governor Wilson Witzel, one of Bolsonaro’s main targets of criticism, would not endorse the decree. The governor said on his Twitter page:

“There is no indication that restrictive measures will be relaxed. Encouraging entrepreneurs to reopen establishments is irresponsible. All the more so if a customer were to become infected with the virus. Bolsonaro is heading towards the cliff and wants to take all of us with him.
– Wilson Witzel (@wilsonwitzel) May 12th, 2020

The governor of Alagoas, Renan Filho, also through social networks, said:

“The activities of gyms, clubs, fitness centers, and the like, as well as beauty salons and barbershops, will remain suspended throughout the state until May 20th.
– Renan Filho (@RenanFilho_) May 12th, 2020

The governor of Pará, Helder Barbalho was similarly inclined: “I reiterate that here in Pará these activities will remain closed. The decision is made based on the STF’s decision.”

Romeu Zema, governor of Minas Gerais, delegated the decision on re-opening business establishments to the municipal mayors:

“The decision to reopen establishments, such as beauty salons and gyms, is up to each mayor, who must assess the city’s health care situation, as the STF already ruled. The federal decree, which considers these services to be essential, doesn’t change the management autonomy of municipalities.
– Romeu Zema (@RomeuZema) May 12th, 2020

The governor of Rio Grande do Sul, Eduardo Leite, said that Bolsonaro’s decree does not change the rules currently in force in the state. According to Leite, Monday’s presidential decree does not conflict with the state because in Rio Grande do Sul, salons and barbershops are now operating in a number of locations, “strictly complying with all scientific studies and health protocols to prevent the spread of the virus, with appropriate restrictions”.

Source: Estadão Conteúdo

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