OPINION: Eduardo Bolsonaro Raises Questions About New Post Qualifications

Eduardo Bolsonaro has been appointed Brazilian Ambassador to the United States by his father, Brazil’s President

Eduardo Bolsonaro, son of controversial Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, shared a digitally manipulated picture of 16-year-old climate activist Greta Thunberg on September 26, according to O Globo. The fake photo depicts Thunberg eating a bountiful dinner while starving children look at her longingly through a train window.

Such immature conduct continues to raise severe doubts about his already tenuous qualifications for the post of the Brazilian ambassador to the United States, to which he has been nominated by his father.

Before he assumes his post, the Brazilian Senate must first approve his nomination as ambassador. His latest tweets have generated severe criticism from several of the senators who will vote on his appointment.

Bolsonaro’s official Twitter account has shared several memes mocking Thunberg; the fake image was simply the last straw needed for many to call him out for his “childishness.” Senator Eliziane Gama, for one, shamed him for what she considers to be “great irresponsibility.’’

The Intercept confirms that this is not the first time he has publicly shared fake news. However, it is still incredibly disappointing to see how seemingly unprepared Bolsonaro is to potentially assume such an important international position.

While the Senate has yet to approve the nomination, the fact that his father nominated him for the position in the first place has left many Brazilians confused and furious.

It’s puzzling that a man who built his entire presidential campaign on “ending corruption” in the Brazilian government nominated a direct member of his family with questionable credentials for a critical role.

President Bolsonaro should handle this carefully, as a September poll showed that 38 percent of Brazilians believe that his administration is “bad or horrible.” As such, a quiet rejection of his son’s appointment might actually improve his image with the nation.