[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is reportedly pushing to lift the 'lockdown measures' implemented to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), according to the Associated Press on the 20th (local time).
President Bolsonaro publicly stated that lockdown measures must be lifted to prevent the deterioration of Brazil's economic situation. In a press conference, he said, "Excessive measures cause problems," adding, "In some regions, these measures have not achieved their goals. I hope this week will be the last week of lockdown measures."
Currently, almost all regions in Brazil have issued stay-at-home orders for residents. Some areas have announced extensions of these orders until mid-next month. Brazil's courts have ruled that decisions regarding stay-at-home orders and similar measures fall under the jurisdiction of local governments, not the federal government, raising the possibility of conflicts between the central and local governments over lifting lockdown measures.
President Bolsonaro had previously dismissed Health Minister Luiz Henrique Mandetta, who had expressed differing views on COVID-19 response measures. Minister Mandetta publicly advocated for policies such as social distancing, which led to friction with President Bolsonaro.
President Bolsonaro's press conference took place after meeting with pro-government protesters outside who were demanding the closure of the Supreme Court and the National Congress.
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