Fragility of Power, Political Personalism, Common Sense and Principles of Contemporary Bioethics. Cases: Brazil and United Kingdom

Political personalism is a sociopolitical phenomenon that has been installed in countries where its main actors are charismatic and sui generis leadership figures. With the appearance of COVID-19 and the effects that it brought with it, they made certain types of decisions and designs that were not consistent or adequate with the critical situation generated. When analyzing the particular cases of President Jair Bolsonaro of Brazil and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, individualistic behaviors and actions contrary to fundamental human rights were observed [e.g. right to life] as well as the transgression of ethical and bioethical principles. This article will politically analyze the efforts and governance of these two political leaders considering their personal traits as well as the use of common sense to face the pandemic. The bioethical principles of non-maleficence, beneficence, respect for human life and that of individual and social responsibility were also considered, which allows addressing their irrational will and discretionary designs. Considering that these two countries are still going through this health crisis, serious macroeconomic problems, deep social and psychic crisis that has condemned even the respect for the life of its inhabitants, it is considered how this general picture raises uncertainty in the political future of these public figures.

Governance and state capacities against COVID-19 in Germany and Spain: national responses and health systems from a comparative perspective

This study aimed to analyze comparatively strategies and political actions adopted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany and Spain in 2020. Based on historical institutionalism, we focused on the institutionality of government action in five work dimensions. The results showed different state capacities in coordination, implementation, and effectiveness of strategies. Crisis management and governance strengths are related to recognizing its severity and negotiation skills;national production capacity of supplies and equipment;and broad targeting of fiscal and financial resources from central government to health, social, and economic areas. These aspects varied between cases, acting as a relevant differential in governmental response. Other differentials were health system's structure;availability of workers;and national science and technology system, highlighting the importance of medium and long-term investments.