Did they even try? Brazilian government policy measures in the first 12 weeks of the pandemic

Abstract

This article draws from recently developed frameworks for the analysis of complex, boundary‐spanning policy problems to consider the response of the Brazilian government in the initial stages of the novel coronavirus pandemic. The timeframe selected for analysis covers the first 12 weeks after the first confirmed case in the country. Analysis is focused on government coordination, including major policy measures such as a constitutional amendment and provisional presidential decrees, and on the role of discourses in policymaking. Findings indicate that the Brazilian government failed to respond properly to the pandemic and did not steer public action toward collectively accepted goals. Further consideration raises the question as to whether the government tried to halt the spread of the virus; an analysis of the ideology embraced by the national–populist political coalition suggests that the dehumanization of political enemies is a strategic alternative. Conclusions argue that the dehumanization of the other is a viable strategy for the government and suggest that the pandemic crisis is part of a continuum of crises that calls for a reframing of societal choices and political‐economical design in Brazil and elsewhere.

Political Leaders’ Communication Strategies during COVID-19 in Highly Infected Countries: A Scoping Review

“…Similarly, a critique by Elize Massard da Fonseca and colleagues (2021) [ 40 ] examined Bolsonaro’s denialism and prioritization of economic interests over health considerations, which led to tensions between various levels of government. Damasio Duval Rodrigues Neto (2021) [ 41 ] also critiqued the Brazilian government’s response, particularly its handling of the pandemic and the promotion of free market legislation.…”

“… Challenges in aligning narratives with actions, crafting messages suitable for local contexts, and managing multiple agendas while maintaining a coherent and persuasive narrative. Duval and Neto, 2020 [ 41 ] Brazil Analysis of government policies and discourses Government inadequately responded to the pandemic, exploiting the crisis to advance pro-market legislation. Political narratives and discourses to control public perception and policy measures.…”