Bolsonaro fires head of Brazil's federal police amid political spat

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro leaves Alvorada Palace, amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Brasilia, Brazil on April 20, 2020. (REUTERS Photo)

RIO DE JANEIRO, April 24 (Reuters): President Jair Bolsonaro has fired the head of Brazil's federal police, according to an announcement in the official government gazette on Friday, making a risky political reshuffle as the coronavirus outbreak spreads deeper into the country.

Bolsonaro has been tussling with Sergio Moro, who had appointed the police chief, Mauricio Valeixo. The political spat comes as the coronavirus outbreak begins to gather steam in Brazil, where Bolsonaro has faced widespread criticism for his handling of the outbreak.

The firing of Valeixo caps the end of a turbulent 24 hours in the capital Brasilia. When news of Bolsonaro's move to push out Valeixo emerged on Thursday, Moro considered quitting in protest, according to a source with knowledge of his plans.

But later on Thursday, the two men appeared to have come to an understanding, and Moro said he would stay if he got to pick Valeixo's successor, the same source said. It remains to be seen if Moro will get his wish.