Jair Bolsonaro Quotes
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Jair Messias Bolsonaro is a Brazilian politician and retired military officer who is the President-elect of Brazil. He has served as a member of the Chamber of Deputies, representing the state of Rio de Janeiro, since 1991. He is a member of the Social Liberal Party , and will assume office for his four-year term as president on 1 January 2019, succeeding Michel Temer.

Born in the small town of Glicério, in the northwest of the state of São Paulo, Bolsonaro graduated from the Agulhas Negras Military Academy in 1977 and served in the Brazilian Army's field artillery and parachutist groups. He became known to the public in 1986, when he penned an article for Veja magazine criticizing low wages for military officials, after which he was arrested and detained for fifteen days despite receiving letters of support from peers in the army; he was acquitted two years later.Bolsonaro joined the reserve in 1988 with the rank of captain and ran for the Rio de Janeiro City Council that year, being elected as a member of the Christian Democratic Party. He was elected in 1990 to the lower chamber of Congress and was subsequently re-elected six times. During his 27-year tenure as a congressman, Bolsonaro became known for his strong support of national conservatism. He is a vocal opponent of same-sex marriage and homosexuality, abortion, affirmative action, drug liberalization and secularism. In foreign policy, he has advocated closer relations to the United States and Israel. During the 2018 presidential campaign, he started to advocate for economic liberal and pro-market policies. A polarizing and controversial politician, his views and comments, which have been described as far-right and conservative in nature, have drawn both praise and criticism in Brazil.Bolsonaro announced his pre-candidacy for president in March 2016 as a member of the Social Christian Party. However, he left the party in 2018 and joined the Social Liberal Party, which launched his presidential campaign in August 2018 with retired general Hamilton Mourão as his running mate. He portrays himself as an outsider and a supporter of family values. He came in first place in the first round of the general election on 7 October 2018, with PT candidate Fernando Haddad coming in second place. The two candidates faced again on 28 October 2018, and Bolsonaro was elected with 55% of the popular vote.

✵ 21. March 1955
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Jair Bolsonaro: 118   quotes 16   likes

Jair Bolsonaro Quotes

“It was in many ways a political marriage between the most radical evangelical and the most controversial militarist, who together hope to conceive a new generation of ultra-right governments. Bolsonaro brings backing from a wealthy Catholic elite to Feliciano’s grassroots campaign network of evangelical churches.”

The Guardians editor Jonathan Watts. With Rousseff on the ropes, Brazil's far right sees an opening https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/05/brazil-far-right-dilma-rousseff-impeachment. The Guardian (5 May 2016).

“A hateful man who perhaps more than any other person exemplifies the backward side of Brazil that is still a huge and tragically worrying presence in this great nation.”

Journalist Andrew Downie. The Most Misogynistic, Hateful Elected Official in the Democacratic World: Brazil's Jair Bolsonaro https://theintercept.com/2014/12/11/misogynistic-hateful-elected-official-democacratic-world-brazils-jair-bolsonaro/. The Intercept (11 December 2014).

“You teacher is a leftist? Tell her to read the book The Suffocated Truth.”

Just read it. There are facts, not the blah blah blah of the left.
Telling students to read a book by Colonel Carlos Alberto Brilhante Ustra, dictatorship-era torturer, in Brasília, on 30 September 2019. Bolsonaro tells students to read book by dictatorship-era torturer https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/sep/30/bolsonaro-tells-students-to-read-book-by-dictatorship-era-torturer. The Guardian (30 September 2019).

“This shows that those who attack us are not concerned with the indigenous human being, but with the mineral wealth and biodiversity in these areas. The United Nations has played a key role in overcoming colonialism and cannot accept this mentality to return to these halls and corridors under any pretext.”

Speech at the at the 74th UN General Assembly. Statement by Mr. Jair Messias Bolsonaro, President of the Federative Republic of Brazil http://statements.unmeetings.org/GA74/BR_EN.pdf. United Nations PaperSmart (24 September 2019).

“The views of an indigenous leader does not represent that of all the Brazilian indigenous population. Often some of these leaders, such as Cacique Raoni, are used as a ploy by foreign governments in their information warfare to advance their interests in the Amazon.”

Speech at the at the 74th UN General Assembly. Statement by Mr. Jair Messias Bolsonaro, President of the Federative Republic of Brazil http://statements.unmeetings.org/GA74/BR_EN.pdf. United Nations PaperSmart (24 September 2019).

“A few decades ago they tried to change the Brazilian regime and that of other Latin American countries. They have been defeated! Brazilian civilians and military were killed and many others had their reputation destroyed, but we won that war and safeguarded our liberty.”

Speech at the at the 74th UN General Assembly. Statement by Mr. Jair Messias Bolsonaro, President of the Federative Republic of Brazil http://statements.unmeetings.org/GA74/BR_EN.pdf. United Nations PaperSmart (24 September 2019).

“My country has been on the verge of socialism, which has put us in a state of widespread corruption, serious economic recession, high criminality rates and unending attacks on the family and religious values that underpin our traditions.”

Speech at the at the 74th UN General Assembly. Statement by Mr. Jair Messias Bolsonaro, President of the Federative Republic of Brazil http://statements.unmeetings.org/GA74/BR_EN.pdf. United Nations PaperSmart (24 September 2019).

“The Indians, do you want me to blame the Indians? Do you want me to blame the Martians?… Everyone is a suspect, but the biggest suspects are NGOs. Did I accuse NGOs directly? I just said I suspect them.”

On 22 August 2019, sugesting that NGOs were behind the fires in the Amazon rainforest. Amazon fires: Bolsonaro says Brazil cannot fight them https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-49433437. BBC News (22 August 2019).

“Maybe -- I am not affirming it -- these (NGO people) are carrying out some criminal actions to draw attention against me, against the government of Brazil. There is a war going on in the world against Brazil, an information war.”

On 21 August 2019, claiming that NGOs were starting the fires in the Amazon rainforest. Bolsonaro says Brazil lacks means to fight Amazon fires, backtracks on NGO accusations https://www.france24.com/en/20190822-bolsonaro-brazil-lacks-resources-fight-amazon-fires. France 24 (22 August 2019).

“I was informed by the Federal Police and the Justice Ministry that my cell phones were invaded by the gang arrested on Tuesday, 23. A serious attempt against Brazil and its institutions. May they be harshly punished! Brazil is no longer land without law.”

On Twitter on 25 July 2019. Brazil: Bolsonaro says his phones were hacked amid fallout over leaked chats https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/jul/25/brazil-bolsonaro-phone-hack-report. The Guardian (25 July 2019).

“What I’m trying to offer the worker is this: fewer rights and jobs, or all their rights and unemployment.”

On 21 July 2019. Brazil's Bolsonaro says government may cut worker protections to boost job creation https://www.reuters.com/article/us-brazil-politics/brazils-bolsonaro-says-government-may-cut-worker-protections-to-boost-job-creation-idUSKCN1UG0PW. Reuters (21 July 2019).

“Some people say that it is nepotism, but that’s for the Supreme Court to decide. It is not nepotism, I would never do that. It’s not up to me, it’s up to my son to accept and then he will be subject to Senate approval. Who do you want me to put in? Celso Amorim?”

On 12 July 2019, about nominating his son Eduardo to be ambassador to the United States. Brazil's Bolsonaro says nominating son as ambassador to U.S. is not nepotism https://www.reuters.com/article/us-brazil-bolsonaro-usa/brazils-bolsonaro-says-nominating-son-as-ambassador-to-u-s-is-not-nepotism-idUSKCN1U72A5. Reuters (12 July 2019).

“They’re turning me into the Queen of England.”

On 22 June 2019 https://riotimesonline.com/brazil-news/rio-politics/national-politics/bolsonaro-says-congress-seeks-to-turn-him-into-the-queen-of-england/, about the Congress. Democracy Bedevils Brazil’s President Bolsonaro https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2019-07-01/democracy-bedevils-brazil-s-bolsonaro. Bloomberg (1 July 2019).

“The state is secular, but we are Christians. We respect the majority and minority, but Brazil is a Christian country. With all due respect, the Federal Supreme Court typified homophobia as if it were racism. Is it not time for an evangelical Christian in the Supreme Court?”

On 13 June 2019. Bolsonaro Renews Call for Evangelical Christian on Brazilian Supreme Court https://riotimesonline.com/brazil-news/rio-politics/society/bolsonaro-says-it-is-time-for-an-evangelical-christian-on-brazilian-supreme-court/. The Rio Times (14 June 2019).

“Every time I touch a wound, an army of influential people turns against me.”

In a speech to businessmen in Rio de Janeiro, on 20 May 2019. Brazil's Bolsonaro says political class is an impediment https://www.reuters.com/article/us-brazil-politics/brazils-bolsonaro-says-political-class-is-an-impediment-idUSKCN1SQ1VA. Reuters (20 May 2019).

“With such a CV I should not have even been elected as a municipal councilor. The people understood that an innocent was being shot at.”

In an interview to Luciana Gimenez broadcasted on 7 May 2019. Racism 'rare' in Brazil, says far right Bolsonaro https://www.france24.com/en/20190508-racism-rare-brazil-says-far-right-bolsonaro. France 24 (8 May 2019).

“Anyone who wants to come here to have sex with a woman, feel free. But we can’t let this place become known as a gay tourism paradise. Brazil can’t be a country of the gay world, of gay tourism. We have families.”

In Brasília, on 25 April 2019. Fury as far-right president Bolsonaro says Brazil should not become ‘gay tourism paradise’ https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/brazil-bolsonaro-gay-tourism-lgbt-sex-interview-comments-a8887226.html. The Independent (26 April 2019).

“We can forgive, but we cannot forget. That quote is mine. Those that forget their past are sentenced not to have a future.”

About the Holocaust, at a meeting with evangelical pastors in Rio de Janeiro, on 11 April 2019. Bolsonaro: Brazil will vote ‘in line’ with Israel, US at UN Human Rights Council https://www.timesofisrael.com/bolsonaro-brazil-will-vote-in-line-with-israel-us-at-un-human-rights-council/. The Times of Israel (14 April 2019).

“We cannot allow Venezuela to become a new Cuba or North Korea.”

In an interview with Jovem Pan radio on 8 April 2019. Brazil's Bolsonaro says working with U.S. to sow 'dissent' in Venezuela army https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-politics-brazil/brazils-bolsonaro-says-working-with-us-to-sow-dissent-in-venezuela-army-idUSKCN1RK2JC. Reuters (8 April 2019).

“There is no doubt. Socialist party, how is it? Germany’s National Socialist Party.”

Claiming that Nazism was a leftist movement, after visiting Yad Vashem, the Holocaust museum in Israel, on 2 April 2019. Brazil’s president resurrects the zombie claim that Nazism was a leftist movement https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2019/05/07/brazils-president-resurrects-zombie-claim-that-nazism-was-leftist-movement. The Washington Post (7 May 2019).

“A country the size of Brazil can’t be held back by Mercosur to do trade with the rest of the world.”

In Davos, in an interview published on 23 January 2019. Bolsonaro Says Brazil Must Reform or Become Next Venezuela https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-01-23/brazil-leader-pledges-sweeping-reform-to-avoid-deeper-crisis. Bloomberg (23 January 2019).

“There’s an awareness in Brazil that the reforms are vital for the federal entities to continue operating. Brazil has to work out. If not, the Left will return and we won’t know Brazil’s destiny, maybe it’ll become more like the regime that we have in Venezuela.”

In Davos, in an interview published on 23 January 2019. Bolsonaro Says Brazil Must Reform or Become Next Venezuela https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-01-23/brazil-leader-pledges-sweeping-reform-to-avoid-deeper-crisis. Bloomberg (23 January 2019).

“Less than a million people live in these places, isolated from true Brazil, exploited and manipulated by NGOs. Together we will integrate these citizens.”

On Twitter on 2 January 2019 https://www.bbc.com/portuguese/brasil-46742940, about indigenous people. Brazil's Bolsonaro says he 'loves' the Amazon. But his policies are designed to wreak havoc on it https://edition.cnn.com/2019/08/25/americas/brazil-bolsanaro-environmental-record-intl/index.html. CNN (27 August 2019).

“Hungary is a country that has suffered a lot with communism in the past, a people that knows what dictatorship is. The Brazilian people still do not know what dictatorship is, do not know what it is to suffer at the hands of these people.”

After phone talks with Hungary's prime minister, Viktor Orbán, on 19 November 2018. Jair Bolsonaro says Brazilians 'still don't know what dictatorship is' https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/nov/20/jair-bolsonaro-says-brazilians-still-dont-know-what-dictatorship-is. The Guardian (20 November 2018).

“I used to be called Captain Chainsaw, now I am Nero, setting the Amazon aflame.”

On 20 August 2019 https://www.metropoles.com/brasil/politica-br/amazonia-bolsonaro-diz-que-passou-de-capitao-motosserra-a-nero, joking about the Amazon rainforest wildfires. Bolsonaro says Brazil lacks resources to fight Amazon fires https://www.ft.com/content/8f9ded3a-c4c8-11e9-a8e9-296ca66511c9. Financial Times (22 August 2019).

“Brazilian prisons are wonderful places … they’re places for people to pay for their sins, not live the life of Reilly in a spa. Those who rape, kidnap and kill are going there to suffer, not attend a holiday camp.”

In February 2014. Who is Jair Bolsonaro? Brazil's far-right president in his own words https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/sep/06/jair-bolsonaro-brazil-tropical-trump-who-hankers-for-days-of-dictatorship. The Guardian (29 October 2018).

“Yes, I’m homophobic – and very proud of it.”

Interview in 2013 https://bhaz.com.br/2018/10/12/bolsonaro-sou-homofobico-com-muito-orgulho/. Brazil’s fearful LGBT community prepares for a ‘proud homophobe’ https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/oct/27/dispatch-sao-paulo-jair-bolsonaro-victory-lgbt-community-fear. The Guardian (27 October 2018).

“I defend torture. A drug dealer who acts on the streets against our children must to be immediately put on a pau-de-arara.”

There would be no human rights in this case. There would be pau-de-arara, beating. The same thing for kidnappers. The guy must be broken to open his mouth.
"Eu defendo a tortura" https://web.archive.org/web/20000526120540/http://www.terra.com.br/istoegente/28/reportagens/entrev_jair.htm. IstoÉ Gente (14 February 2000).

Jair Bolsonaro quote: “So what? I'm sorry. What do you want me to do? My name's Messiah, but I can't work miracles.”

“So what? I'm sorry. What do you want me to do? My name's Messiah, but I can't work miracles.”

In Brasília, on 28 April 2020, after being told by reporters that Brazil had achieved a record 474 COVID-19-related deaths in a day. 'So what?': Bolsonaro shrugs off Brazil's rising coronavirus death toll https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/29/so-what-bolsonaro-shrugs-off-brazil-rising-coronavirus-death-toll. The Guardian (29 April 2020).

“Enough fussing and whining. How much longer will the crying go on?”

Said about the Covid-19 pandemic, as quoted in "Stop 'whining,' Bolsonaro tells Brazilians after record Covid deaths" https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/stop-whining-bolsonaro-tells-brazilians-record-covid-deaths-rcna360, NBSC News (5 March 2021)
2021

“I had the best vaccine, it was the virus. No side effects.”

As quoted in "Bolsonaro Says the Best Vaccine for Covid-19 Is the Virus, which Has Killed More than 188,000 in The Country" https://www1.folha.uol.com.br/internacional/en/scienceandhealth/2020/12/bolsonaro-says-the-best-vaccine-for-covid-19-is-the-virus-which-has-killed-more-than-188000-in-the-country.shtml, Folha de S.Paulo (23 December 2020)
2020

“That's life. We're all going to die someday.”

Said about the Covid-19 pandemic, as quoted in "'A little flu': Brazil's Bolsonaro playing down coronavirus crisis" https://www.euronews.com/2020/04/06/a-little-flu-brazil-s-bolsonaro-playing-down-coronavirus-crisis, euronews (10 April 2020)
2020

“I am not going to allow the little flu to knock me down.”

Said about the Covid-19 pandemic, as quoted in "Bolsonaro Denies that He Called Covid-19 A "Little Flu" https://www1.folha.uol.com.br/internacional/en/scienceandhealth/2020/11/bolsonaro-denies-that-he-called-covid-19-a-little-flu.shtml, Folha de S.Paulo (March 2020)
2020

“It could be ranchers. Everyone is suspicious, but the biggest suspicion comes from NGOs. [I have] ho proof. NGOs have lost money... they are unemployed. What are they trying to do? Bring me down.”

On 22 August 2019, suggesting that NGOs were behind the fires in the Amazon rainforest. Bolsonaro says Brazil lacks resources to fight Amazon fires https://www.ft.com/content/8f9ded3a-c4c8-11e9-a8e9-296ca66511c9. Financial Times (22 August 2019).
2019

“Racism is rare in Brazil. I'm fed up with this mania of always pitting blacks against whites, gays against heterosexuals. People say I'm homophobic, racist, fascist, xenophobic, but I won the election. [...] If I was racist, what would I have done on seeing a black fall into the water? I'd have folded my arms.”

In an interview to Luciana Gimenez broadcasted on 7 May 2019. Racism 'rare' in Brazil, says far right Bolsonaro https://www.france24.com/en/20190508-racism-rare-brazil-says-far-right-bolsonaro. France 24 (8 May 2019).
2019

“We’re all migrants in Brazil, but we can’t fling our doors open wide for [everybody] to just come. [...] To come here and marry 11-year-old children... […] We can’t tolerate certain types of people coming to Brazil and disrespecting our culture and our religion,”

During a broadcast on social media on 12 December 2018. Bolsonaro says Brazil may “quit” Paris Agreement http://agenciabrasil.ebc.com.br/en/politica/noticia/2018-12/bolsonaro-says-brazil-may-quit-paris-agreement. Agência Brasil (13 December 2019).
2018

“If it doesn’t change, we quit. Why do we have to stay? It’s possibly dangerous for our sovereignty. Many are out, they didn’t sign it. Why would Brazil have to stay? To be politically correct? [...] We won’t be able to reforest an area the size of Rio de Janeiro.”

About the Paris Agreement, during a broadcast on social media on 12 December 2018. Bolsonaro says Brazil may “quit” Paris Agreement http://agenciabrasil.ebc.com.br/en/politica/noticia/2018-12/bolsonaro-says-brazil-may-quit-paris-agreement. Agência Brasil (13 December 2019).
2018

“You're an idiot. [...] You are an illiterate. [...] You're censored. [...] You're an ignorant. [...] I don't give a shit about you.”

Responding to the reporter Manuela Borges after asked about the 1964 coup d'état denial on 1 April 2014. Câmara suspende sessão sobre golpe militar após tumulto no plenário http://g1.globo.com/politica/50-anos-do-golpe-militar/noticia/2014/04/camara-suspende-sessao-sobre-golpe-militar-apos-confusao.html. G1 (1 April 2014); Jair Bolsonaro se irrita e chama jornalista de “analfabeta” e “idiota”; assista https://vejasp.abril.com.br/blog/pop/jair-bolsonaro-se-irrita-e-chama-jornalista-de-8220-analfabeta-8221-e-8220-idiota-8221-assista/. Veja SP (4 April 2014)
2014

“If you become superhuman, if a woman starts to grow a beard or if a man starts to speak with an effeminate voice, they will not have anything to do with it.”

"Brazil's Bolsonaro warns virus vaccine can turn people into 'crocodiles'" https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20201218-brazil-s-bolsonaro-warns-virus-vaccine-can-turn-people-into-crocodiles, France24, 18 December 2020
2020

“In the Pfizer contract it's very clear: 'we're not responsible for any side effects.'”

If you turn into a crocodile, it's your problem.
2020