Bolsonaro on ‘the Brink of Socialism’: ‘I come here before you today to introduce you to a new Brazil.’

From The WSJ.

"Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro speaking to the United Nations General Assembly, Sept. 24:

I come here before you today to introduce you to a new Brazil, a country that is now re-emerging after coming to the brink of socialism, a country that is being rebuilt on the yearnings and ideals of its people.

Under my administration, Brazil has been working to regain world trust and also to lower unemployment, violence and business risks by reducing bureaucracy through deregulation and especially by leading through example. My country was very close to socialism, which led us to a situation of widespread corruption, serious economic recession, high crime rates, and continuous ceaseless attacks against family and religious values that are part and parcel of our traditions.

In 2013 an agreement between the former Workers’ Party and the Cuban dictatorship brought to Brazil 10,000 doctors who had no evidence of professional training. They were prevented from bringing their spouses or children, and 75% of their wages were confiscated by the Cuban regime, and they were further prevented from enjoying fundamental rights such as, for example, the right to go and come. Truly tantamount to slave labor, believe me.

Supported by human rights organizations both in Brazil and the United Nations organization, even before I took office, almost 90% of these Cuban citizens left Brazil as a result of a one-sided initiative by the Cuban government. Those who decided to stay in Brazil will undergo proper technical eligibility criteria to allow them to exercise their medical profession.

Brazil has, therefore, stopped contributing to the Cuban dictatorship by no longer sending to Havana $300 million as had been the case every year. History has taught us that already back in the 1960s, Cuban agents were sent out to several countries to collaborate towards implementing dictatorships in the region. A few decades ago, they tried to change the Brazilian regime and the system in place in other countries and Latin America. They were defeated. Brazilian civilians and military died—were killed—and so many had their reputation fully destroyed. We have, nevertheless, overcome that war and we have upheld our freedom.

These agents of the Cuban regime, introduced by Hugo Chavez, also made their way into Venezuela, and today there are 60,000 Cuban agents who control and interfere in all areas of the Venezuelan society, especially in intelligence and defense. Venezuela, formerly a vibrant, democratic country, currently experiences the cruelty of socialism. It is fair to say that yes, socialism is working in Venezuela. They are all poor and deprived of freedom. Brazil has also felt the impacts resulting from the Venezuelan dictatorship of the more than four million Venezuelan citizens who fled the country.

 A sizable portion migrated to Brazil, fleeing hunger and violence. We have done our part to help them and assist them through the operational welcome carried out by the Brazilian army and praised world-wide.

We have also worked with other countries, including the United States of America, to ensure democracy will be established in Venezuela. We have also endeavored our very best efforts to ensure that other South American countries will not experience this harmful regime."