Brazilian president curses as he gets mad about coronavirus

A video of a controversial meeting between Brazil’s Jair Bolsonaro and members of his cabinet became public on Friday, fueling a political crisis that embroils the president just as the coronavirus pandemic grips the country.

Footage of the April 22 meeting that lasted more than two hours risks deepening an institutional crisis between the executive branch and the judiciary while leaving some cabinet members in a tough spot. On the other hand, it showed the strength of Economy Minister Paulo Guedes in the administration and may even please Bolsonaro’s most radical followers.

The video had been under seal as part of evidence presented by former Justice Minister Sergio Moro, who resigned last month accusing the president of seeking to interfere with police investigations, some of which potentially involve members of Bolsonaro’s family in Rio de Janeiro. The Supreme Court allowed an investigation into the matter, which is ongoing.

“I already tried to change people in our security in Rio de Janeiro officially but I wasn’t able to,” the president said in a crucial part of the video, which is riddled with crude language. “I’m not going to wait for them to screw over my whole family just for kicks, or my friends. Why can’t I change someone from security from the end of the line that belongs to our structure. He will be changed! If he can’t be changed, change his boss! Can’t change his boss? Change the minister!”

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