Conflict between Gilmar and the military intensifies pressure for Pazuello's removal from the Health Ministry.
Following criticism from Gilmar Mendes regarding the military's control of the Ministry of Health, dissatisfaction has grown within sectors of the Armed Forces regarding General Eduardo Pazuello's leadership of the ministry.
247 - Criticism from Supreme Court Justice Gilmar Mendes regarding the military's leadership of the Ministry of Health during the height of the coronavirus pandemic in Brazil has increased resistance from sectors of the Armed Forces to the presence of Minister and General Eduardo Pazuello at the head of the ministry. according to Monica Bergamo, in Folha de S. Paulo.
Gilmar Mendes stated in a live broadcast on TV 247 on Saturday, the 11th, that “The army is associating itself with this genocide."caused by the interference of Jair Bolsonaro's government in dealing with the pandemic and the military occupation of the Ministry of Health, in secretariats and in the leadership of the agency. He reinforced the criticism on Sunday, the 12th, after a tweet." requesting that the military presence be reviewed:
“I do not shy away from criticizing the decision to predominantly staff the Ministry of Health with military personnel. Public health policy should be conceived and planned by experts, within the constitutional framework. This should be reviewed, for the good of the Armed Forces and the health of Brazil.”
Reactions from the Armed Forces
Journalist Mônica Bergamo reports that "in the Army, impatience is widespread." "One of the military officers who is part of the organization's leadership told the column that Pazuello should have already retired from active duty and that he is 'pushing his luck' by remaining," she emphasized.
The military officer reportedly said that the situation is "uncomfortable," causing the Army to "take the hit," as in the case of Minister Gilmar Mendes, and also pointed out that half of the positions in the Ministry of Health are held by military personnel.
On the other hand, military ministers released a statement early in the afternoon of Monday, the 13th. statement of condemnation against Gilmar MendesThe statement is signed by the Minister of Defense, Fernando Azevedo, and the commanders of the three branches of the armed forces: Edson Pujol (Army), Ilques Barbosa (Navy), and Antonio Carlos Moretti (Air Force). other It had already been published over the weekend.
In addition to the statement, the military leadership announced that it is filing a complaint against the Supreme Court Justice with the Attorney General's Office (PGR).