In an interview with AFP, the 79-year-old singer-songwriter returned to the need for his fellow citizens to “react” to the Brazilian President’s environmental bills.
Cayetano Veloso, an icon of Brazilian song and a vocal opponent of far-right President Jair Bolsonaro, told AFP he intends to “take charge” and call on Brazilians to “respond” nine months before the presidential election.
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The 79-year-old singer-songwriter led a group of about forty artists to organize a musical demonstration in Brasilia on Wednesday against the environmental policies of the Bolsonaro government, which is trying to get projects approved for free. territories of indigenous peoples. The cantor of the tropics was interviewed by AFP in his dressing room before his concert in front of several thousand demonstrators gathered in front of the parliament building.
You have been criticizing environmental policy for a long time. Why did you decide to organize this event right now?
Some of these bills (on the environment) are already under consideration in the Chamber of Deputies and will go to the Senate. We had to find the right moment to react. We managed to bring together artists, as well as representatives of social movements and associations that fight for the protection of the environment.
What worries you about indigenous peoples?
Indigenous peoples are the main victims, they are especially targeted by the bill that plans to legalize mining in the territories of indigenous peoples. The argument that we need potash because of the war in Ukraine (which could affect fertilizer imports from Russia) is just a pretext. This text is part of a plan to dismantle all environmental protection. Much more is being destroyed in Brazil, including cultural activities. But the environment affects everyone.
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Before the second round of the 2018 presidential election, you said you were afraid “wave of terror and hatred” if Jair Bolsonaro is elected. What about today?
What is happening in Brazil is terrible. I lived under a military dictatorship (1964-1985), was arrested, forced to go into exile. But today, in a democracy, some of the government’s proposals are even worse. Brazilians must respond for the sake of their mental, physical and spiritual health.
What do you expect from the October presidential elections?
There is room for optimism, but also a lot of apprehension. (Bolsonarism) is frightening in its ability to use social media. This is a global phenomenon, as we saw with Steve Bannon (a former adviser to former US President Donald Trump). It is like a deadly disease affecting the whole society. But I am pragmatically optimistic and do not want to run away from my duties.
How important is the participation of the artist?
They must come forward because the majority of the population identifies with them. And artists are often very environmentally sensitive. We must play our part as speakers to expose the evils that people are suffering from.
Do you think that the possible defeat of Jair Bolsonaro in the presidential elections can immediately affect the atmosphere in the country?
Bolsonaro could lose. But what it represents does not disappear overnight. I hope he doesn’t win, but Bolsonarism won’t just disappear.
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