Fact Check: The current problems worsened in the four-year term of far-right President Jair Bolsonaro that ran through 2022.

Fact Check: "The current problems worsened in the four-year term of far-right President Jair Bolsonaro that ran through 2022."

What We Know

Jair Bolsonaro served as the President of Brazil from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2022. His administration has been characterized by significant political and social turmoil, exacerbated by various crises. For instance, during his term, Brazil faced the world's second deadliest COVID-19 outbreak, which was compounded by Bolsonaro's public denial of the virus's severity and his failure to secure timely vaccine contracts, leading to nationwide shortages (FSI - Cyber Policy Center).

Moreover, Bolsonaro's presidency has been marked by increased political polarization and unrest. He has been accused of undermining democratic institutions and promoting disinformation, particularly regarding the electoral process (FSI - Cyber Policy Center). Reports indicate that Bolsonaro's administration weakened environmental protections, contributing to a significant rise in deforestation in the Amazon, which reached alarming levels during his tenure (Energy Monitor, The Hindu).

Analysis

The claim that "current problems worsened in the four-year term of far-right President Jair Bolsonaro" is supported by various credible sources. The deterioration of Brazil's public health system during the COVID-19 pandemic is a critical example. Bolsonaro's administration faced severe criticism for its handling of the pandemic, which included a lack of effective public health measures and misinformation about the virus (FSI - Cyber Policy Center).

Additionally, the economic situation under Bolsonaro has been troubling, with reports indicating a decline in investment in critical sectors such as education (BTI 2024 Brazil Country Report). Environmental policies also regressed significantly, with Bolsonaro's government allowing increased illegal logging and mining activities, which have had devastating effects on Brazil's biodiversity and climate (Energy Monitor).

However, it is essential to consider the potential biases of the sources. The FSI report is from a reputable academic institution, while the Energy Monitor and The Hindu are established news outlets. This diversity in sources helps corroborate the claim that Bolsonaro's presidency has indeed worsened existing problems in Brazil.

Conclusion

The claim that the current problems in Brazil worsened during Jair Bolsonaro's four-year term is True. The evidence presented shows a clear trend of declining public health, environmental degradation, and increased political unrest throughout his presidency. Bolsonaro's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, environmental policies, and his approach to governance have all contributed to the worsening situation in Brazil.

Sources

1. Brazil Election Scene Setter | FSI - Cyber Policy Center
2. Bolsonaro takes the stand in historic Brazil coup trial
3. Bolsonaro joins list of former Brazilian presidents with legal troubles
4. BTI 2024 Brazil Country Report
5. Bolsonaro: What four years of climate inaction have done to Brazil
6. 2022 Is a High Stakes Election Year for Brazil's Bolsonaro
7. Brazil's Bolsonaro Is Blind to His Political Problems
8. Brazil under Bolsonaro led deforestation in Amazon rainforest in 2022