top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon

‘Idiotic’: Brazil hits back at President Macron soya comment

Mr Macron said that Brazilian soya was from the ‘destroyed forest’ of Brazil, but Brazilian leaders have denounced the comment as an ‘idiotic political game’

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has accused French President Emmanuel Macron of making “idiotic” comments about the Amazon rainforest after Mr Macron called for more European soya production.

This week, President Macron said that Europe should increase its soya production, to be “more coherent with our ecological ambitions”, in reference to soya production in the Amazon rainforest in Brazil.

Soya production in the Latin American country is among the practices to have been strongly criticised for causing major deforestation of the rainforest under Mr Bolsonaro’s controversial administration.

In a video posted on Twitter, Mr Macron said: “When we import soya that is made forcibly on the destroyed forest of Brazil, we are not coherent with our ecological aims.”

Mr Macron said that Europe’s dependence on Brazilian soya was “causing the deforestation of the Amazon”, prompting Mr Bolsonaro to call the comments “idiotic”.

He said, sarcastically: “For the love of God, Mr Macron, do not buy Brazilian soya, and in that way you will not deforest the Amazon. Buy soya in France.

“Stop making idiotic comments, Macron. You do not [even] know your own country, but you never stop giving your opinion on Brazil.”

Brazilian Vice-President Hamilton Mourao also replied to Mr Macron’s comment, saying: “Mr Macron knows nothing about soya production in Brazil. Our soya production is made in the Cerrado [region in the south of the Amazon] or in the south of the country.

“Agricultural production in the Amazon is minimal. Mr Macron has conveyed the protectionist interests of French farmers, nothing more. It is part of a political game.”

Mr Macron and Mr Bolsonaro have often had disagreements over ecological issues; in 2019, the Brazilian president criticised Mr Macron for his comments on forest fires in the Amazon.

Related stories

Macron calls Amazon fires ‘crisis’ as Brazil hits back

Brigitte Macron thanks Brazilians for online support

Why Brazilians are saying 'sorry' to Mrs Macron

Resident or second-home owner in France?
Benefit from our daily digest of headlines and how-to's to help you make the most of life in France
By joining the newsletter, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
See more popular articles
The Connexion Help Guides
featured helpguide
Healthcare in France*
Featured Help Guide
- Understand the French healthcare system, how you access it and how you are reimbursed - Useful if you are new to the French healthcare system or want a more in-depth understanding - Reader question and answer section Aimed at non-French nationals living here, the guide gives an overview of what you are (and are not) covered for. There is also information for second-home owners and regular visitors.
Get news, views and information from France