In today’s issue: Can Bolsonaro buy a pension reform with BRL 1 billion? Police officers arrested for the murder of Marielle Franco.
Can BRL 1 billion buy a pension reform?
President Jair Bolsonaro has resorted to the methods of “old politics” of which he has been so critical, announcing that the government will authorize the financing of congressional
budgetary amendments that amount to BRL 1bn. These are instruments that give congressmen some discretion over the federal budget, which they normally apply in their constituencies. It has also become a classic bargaining chip in Brasília politics, as administrations control this faucet of public cash to sway parties on important votes.
According to the government, budgetary amendments blocked since 2014 amount to BRL 3bn—”which could be granted if they meet bureaucratic criteria.” Which really means: if Congress passes the pension reform. To put pressure on the administration, parties have said that no action will be taken on the pension reform until a bill concerning military pensions is presented. The government promised to submit its proposal before March 20.
Disgruntled evangelicals
The evangelical congressional caucus—pivotal in President Bolsonaro’s elections—is reportedly dissatisfied with the government. Recent firings of officials vouched for by evangelicals in Congress...