Brazil is getting old. Fast

Since taking office nearly two years ago, President Michel Temer has made the pension system reform the center of his economic agenda. To push for the major overhaul of Brazil’s uber-expensive social security system, the government has tried nearly everything. And that includes pouring millions into advertising campaigns to increase public acceptance of his agenda, to threatening budget cuts in cash-transfer programs like Bolsa Família.

Still, approving the bill seems like a longshot.

Aside from the fact that Brazilians are simply not convinced that we need a minimum retirement age of 65, the main problem with the government’s pension system reform is that it doesn’t affect the privileged sectors of society. Politicians, judges, and law enforcement agents, for instance, won’t be subjected to the same strict rules.

A lack...