Brazilian President Jair Bolsonara has ridiculed American actor Leonardo DiCaprio’s address to Brazilian youth about who they should support in the country’s upcoming elections, AFP reported citing BTA.
On Thursday, DiCaprio published a message to young people in Brazil, reminding them that the country is home to the Amazon and other ecosystems that are important for combating climate change.
“What is happening in this country is important to all of us, and the voice of young people is needed to advance change for a healthier planet,” the text said, which also linked to information on how people can register to vote in Brazil. .
“Thank you for your support, Leo! It is very important that all Brazilians vote in the next election. Our people will decide whether they want to retain our sovereignty over the Amazon or prefer to be ruled by thieves who serve foreign interests,” Bolsonaro wrote on Twitter. language in response to a letter from Leonardo DiCaprio.
The actor has criticized the President of Brazil in the past, in particular, for his actions in connection with the crisis of forest fires in the Amazon. He also called for all NGO investments in Brazil to be linked to the government’s commitment to supporting the preservation of the Amazon. But these calls were rejected by Bolsonaro as an interference in Brazil’s sovereignty.
– Thanks for your support, Leo! It’s really important to have every Brazilian voting in the coming elections. Our people will decide if they want to keep our sovereignty on the Amazon or to be ruled by crooks who serve foreign special interest. Good job in The Revenant! 👍 https://t.co/kg3b6rmPCw
— Jair M. Bolsonaro (@jairbolsonaro) April 29, 2022
Since the far-right president came to power in Brazil, the average annual deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon has increased by more than 75% compared to the previous decade.
The Bolsonaro government is accused of encouraging impunity for illegal logging by cutting budget allocations to environmental regulators.