Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro’s recent actions have sparked controversy and raised eyebrows across the globe. The ex-president, who served from 2019 to 2022, was caught on camera entering the Hungarian embassy on 12 February and leaving two days later. This visit came shortly after two of his aides were arrested for allegedly plotting to overthrow the new government that took power after Bolsonaro’s defeat in the 2022 elections.
According to Brazilian law, attempting a coup is a serious offense punishable by up to 12 years in prison. The New York Times revealed that Bolsonaro’s close ties with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán may have played a role in him seeking shelter at the embassy. During a visit to Hungary in 2022, Bolsonaro referred to Orbán as his “brother,” and Orbán’s government even offered assistance to help Bolsonaro win the elections.
Meanwhile, in a separate development, the European Union Public Prosecutor’s Office announced the arrest of 22 individuals from Italy, Austria, Romania, and Slovakia in connection with the embezzlement of EUR 600 million in COVID-19 relief funds. The suspects allegedly obtained funds from the Italian National Recovery and Resilience Plan and transferred the money to banks in other countries.
In another part of the world, Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared a state of national disaster due to drought-like conditions, seeking nearly USD 2 billion in aid to combat food shortages affecting over 2.7 million people. The situation has been exacerbated by inadequate rainfall, leading to crop failures and waterborne diseases.
Lastly, Botswana’s President Mokgweetsi Masisi made headlines by offering to send 20,000 elephants to Germany amid a potential ban on hunting trophies. The move is seen as a response to Germany’s restrictions on trophy imports and aims to address overpopulation of elephants in Botswana. The president’s offer has sparked debate on conservation efforts and sustainable wildlife management practices.