It is now up to Senator Renan Calheiros to present the final report on Wednesday, according to a statement from the Senate in Brasília on Tuesday (local time).
The draft, which was already circulating in advance, envisages holding around 70 people and two companies accountable – and indicting President Bolsonaro of allegedly committing eleven – sometimes serious – crimes. According to media reports, the senators discussed the final content until late at night and decided to remove two crimes from the list of allegations.
The committee of inquiry began its work in April at the height of an out-of-control corona pandemic. The motions that led to his installation provided for him to shed light on the actions and omissions of the government of right-wing populist Bolsonaro in the pandemic and to review the possible misappropriation of federal funds in the fight against the coronavirus.
After the USA and India, Brazil has the most corona infections with almost 22 million cases. Most recently, the largest country in Latin America exceeded the mark of 600,000 corona deaths. The health system collapsed in many places in March and April.
Bolsonaro has played down the coronavirus since the beginning of the pandemic and rejects protective measures and restrictions. He also doubts the point of vaccinations. Bolsonaro has emphasized several times that he has not yet been vaccinated against the corona virus. He is accused of having refused to buy corona vaccines and dragged them off.
The committee of inquiry has eleven members. The committee is expected to vote on the final report in the coming week. A majority is needed to pass the report. Then it can be sent to institutions like the Attorney General’s Office. According to observers, it is unclear whether the recommendations would also lead to indictments.