Amazon fires scorch Bolsonaro's reputation abroad, but not in Brazil

[True Dough]

Interesting how he's perceived at home...

BRASILIA (Reuters) - President Jair Bolsonaro has drawn sharp criticism on the international stage from European leaders and environmental groups for his handling of wildfires raging in the Amazon, but at home few Brazilians are angered by his reluctant response.

Many of his fellow citizens share his aversion to what they see as foreign meddling in how to strike a balance between protecting and developing the Amazon rainforest. The vast region is regarded at home as a key national asset but is seen globally as a crucial bulwark against climate change.

However, opinions in Brazil may change if trade sanctions or boycotts start to weigh on an already weak economy, politicians and analysts say.

A surge this year in the number of fires in the Amazon has sparked international outrage and protests in front of Brazilian embassies.
Environmentalists claim most of the fires were illegally set by land speculators and ranchers seeking to expand pastures in the Amazon who feel emboldened by Bolsonaro’s criticism of excessive environmental protections.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-brazil-environment-politics-analysis/amazon-fires-scorch-bolsonaros-reputation-abroad-but-not-in-brazil-idUSKCN1VJ2JQ

[rockfordfile]

1. I bet most folks are scared to say what they really think about that pos