Far-right Bolsonaro Says He Cannot Save Brazil Alone

Bras�lia, Nov 7 (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 8th Nov, 2018 ) :President-elect Jair Bolsonaro said Wednesday he alone cannot rescue Brazil from economic hardship and spiralling violent crime, despite building his winning campaign on promises to tackle both.

Bolsonaro won an election run-off 10 days ago against leftist candidate Fernando Haddad with a market-friendly, tough-on-crime rhetoric that resonated with a population disillusioned with political corruption and increasing insecurity.

"No single person is going to save our country," said Bolsonaro, on the second day of a visit to the capital Brasilia, where he is due to meet outgoing President Michel Temer for the first time since his election.

It takes "a team, the unity of authorities alongside the people in order to offer alternatives that will allow Brazil to occupy the prominent position it deserves" globally, he added.

Alongside Supreme Court president Dias Toffoli, Bolsonaro, who will assume office on January 1, spoke out in defence of the separation of executive powers, an attempt to allay fears triggered by past comments in which he expressed admiration for Brazil's 1964-85 military dictatorship.

He has also caused much concern by making statements deemed sexist, racist and homophobic, leading some to fear Bolsonaro will name a cabinet made up principally of straight white men.

"I'm not worried about the color, sex or sexuality of those in my team, but rather with the mission of bringing growth to Brazil, and tackling crime and corruption," said Bolsonaro.

He has so far named five people to his cabinet, all white men, and 27 consultants -- mostly from the military or economists -- to advise the government during its transition period, with no women among them.

However, following repeated questioning from journalists, Bolsonaro's team said four women -- three military and an economist -- would collaborate with the future government.

Bolsonaro's Primary challenges when he takes office will be to relaunch the economy after two years of recession followed by two more of limited growth, and to reduce violent crime, in particular the murder rate which reached a record level of 63,800 last year.

And this while implementing a program to reduce public spending through privatizations and pension reform.

Brazil's population is 43 percent white, almost nine percent black and 47 percent mixed race.