Rio de Janeiro’s Governor and Mayor Battle Over Social Distancing

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The measures announced by some Brazilian governors of social distancing and quarantine have led to tension between these executives and the mayors of the cities in their states. One of the biggest battles has been between Rio de Janeiro state governor, Wilson Witzel, and the mayor of the city of Rio, Marcelo Crivella.

This past week, Witzel criticized and rejected any discussion of the easing of the restrictive measures to combat the coronavirus hinted by Mayor Crivella. The mayor suggested that he was deciding whether or not to allow municipal school system schoolchildren to return to regular classes already on April 13th.

“It is not recommended to open schools; I will inform Mayor Crivella that he must not take this decision,” said Witzel.

According to the governor he has powers that would allow him to prevent schools from opening. “I understand that I have police power to close municipal schools,” he said.

“As (Health) Minister (Henrique) Mandetta said, children are vectors. Allowing them to return (from school) to their homes could be a major contamination factor.”

“We have a controlled curve. After closing stores, we flattened the curve. It is not the time for anyone to go back to school. We will not allow it,” added the governor.

Witzel also added that the easing of social isolation can be questioned in the Supreme Federal Court and that he will maintain the determination of isolation, under penalty of blaming those who do not comply. On Monday (30th), Governor Witzel, extended the quarantine for another 15 days, until April 13th.

On Friday (March 27th), Crivella ordered the reopening of home construction material stores and convenience stores in gas stations. Witzel was not pleased with the new measure.

On Thursday (April 2nd) a state court announced it was granting a petition by the Public Ministry to suspend the decree that authorized the reopening of the construction material stores. The Prosecutor’s Office announced it will appeal the decision, but until the measure is reviewed, stores are to remain closed.

For political scientist Sonia Fleury, the battle between Witzel and Crivella is a political one. Crivella is eyeing re-election as Mayor in October, while Witzel wants to become a viable presidential candidate in 2022.

“Everyone is playing with the electoral process at such a critical time. Crivella, who is a mayor repudiated by the majority of the population, is trying to join President Bolsonaro’s speech to see if he increases his capacity to run for municipal election, because, by himself, he does not have the slightest chance to be re-elected,” Fleury told online news outlet IHU.

Both Crivella and President Jair Bolsonaro have been at odds with other Brazilian politicians and world leaders, publicly questioning the recommendations of public health experts that strong social isolation is the only way to flatten the curve and prevent the collapse of the health system.