Government supporters in Brazil call for military intervention

President Bolsonaro has been railing against governors for days against the spread of the corona virus. Ex-military fans long for a coup d'état aimed at opponents of the regime and opposition MPs

Brasília (dpa) - In the conflict over the correct handling of the corona virus, numerous government supporters have taken to the streets in Brazil and have called for intervention by the armed forces.

The protests on Sunday in the capital city of Brasília were directed against the exit restrictions and shop closures imposed by several provincial governors to curb the pandemic. "Everyone in Brazil has to understand that he has to submit to the will of the Brazilian people," right-wing populist President Jair Bolsonaro called to his supporters from the back of an off-road vehicle.

The demonstrators waved Brazilian national flags in front of the headquarters of the armed forces, a banner read: "Military intervention with Bolsonaro in power". They chanted: "Close Congress" and "Close the Supreme Court" and called for the reactivation of Decree AI-5, which was used to suppress opponents of the regime and opposition MPs during the military dictatorship (1964-1985).

"I'm here because I believe in you," Bolsonaro called to his followers. "You are here because you believe in Brazil." He assured the demonstrators that he would do everything to defend democracy and freedom. The ex-military has repeatedly called the corona virus "light flu" and has spoken out against restricting public life. Above all, Bolsonaro fears that the lockdown could harm the Brazilian economy.

The protests and the appearance of the head of government also triggered criticism. "The President has crossed the Rubicon. The fate of Brazilian democracy is at stake. It is time for the Democrats to unite and overcome their differences in the name of freedom," wrote the chair of the Bar, Felipe Santa Cruz on Twitter .

Supreme Court Justice Luís Roberto Barroso wrote: "It is frightening to see demonstrations for the return of the military regime after 30 years of democracy. The swearing in of democracy and the institutions is part of my job and my duty."

Bolsonaro recently fired his health minister because of disagreements about how to properly deal with the coronavirus pandemic. He also clashed with the governors of the important states of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo and with President Rodrigo Maia. Even with the numerous military personnel represented in the cabinet, such as Vice President General Hamilton Mourão, Bolsonaro caused horror with his lax approach.

In the largest country in Latin America, 37,437 people have been proven to be infected with Sars-CoV-2, 2,388 patients have died in connection with the lung disease Covid-19. In the metropolitan areas, the clinics are increasingly reaching their capacity limits.