We’re covering today the clash between Bolsonaro and Congress, which could have major implications over the federal budget. How Brazil is (un)prepared for a global economic slowdown. And Lula’s risky political bet.
An important day in Congress
In a joint sitting later today, both houses of Congress are set to analyze presidential vetoes on budgetary rules that would give lawmakers unprecedented power over public spending. Members of Congress are set to give themselves powers to dictate the order of priority for paying out parliamentary grants—taking away one of the government’s most used tools to whip votes, as the president’s office currently controls how and when these grants are paid.
Why it matters. Congress will show just how damaged its relationship with the president is after the latest feuds. If the veto is really struck down, the government will lose even more control over the budget, which is already largely eaten up by mandatory expenses.
Deal, no deal. Senators led by the president of the upper house, Davi Alcolumbre, are inclined to uphold the veto, admitting that Congress may have gone too far. But representatives want to strike it down, especially since last week, when Jair Bolsonaro fueled anti-Congress protests...