São Paulo’s governor, Tarcísio de Freitas, who abstains from alcohol, has apologized after making a remark about a fatal methanol poisoning crisis, stating that he would only be concerned if counterfeiters began producing fake Coca-Cola.
Freitas, who is politically aligned with former president Jair Bolsonaro, made the comment during a press conference addressing his administration’s handling of a contaminated alcohol crisis in his state, which has resulted in at least three deaths. Among the victims was a 30-year-old mother who consumed a vodka and juice mixture at a gathering.
Alexandre Padilha, Brazil’s health minister and a medical professional, has advised the public to avoid clear distilled drinks like vodka and gin until the origin of the contamination is identified. “This is not a necessity in daily life,” Padilha stated last week.
During Monday’s press briefing, Freitas appeared to downplay the severity of the issue while discussing the concerns of major alcohol producers about the illegal replication of their brands. “[Alcohol] isn’t something I consume,” said the governor, who is seen as a potential presidential candidate.
“If counterfeiters ever start making fake Coca-Cola, that’s when I’ll worry. Luckily, they haven’t gotten there yet,” Freitas added with an uneasy smile.
The comment quickly spread online, drawing widespread condemnation, with critics likening it to Bolsonaro’s indifferent handling of the Covid-19 pandemic, which claimed over 700,000 lives in Brazil.
“So what? I’m sorry. What do you want me to do?” Bolsonaro had retorted to a journalist in April 2020 when questioned about the escalating death toll. Months later, with fatalities surpassing 260,000, he dismissed public concerns as “whining.”
Freitas—who aims to lead Bolsonaro’s political base after his mentor was sentenced to 27 years for orchestrating a coup attempt—expressed regret for his remarks the following day.
He acknowledged making the joke to ease tension but insisted his words had been “misunderstood.”
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