The Minister of Economy, Paulo Guedes, defended this Monday (18) the PEC that increased the government’s social benefits during the electoral period, with the argument that the measure is necessary to face hunger.
In a speech at the inauguration of the new president of the CVM (Securities Commission), João Pedro Nascimento, he also repeated criticism of the opposition and the press and reiterated that Brazil is “condemned to grow”.
Guedes stated that the cash transfer is the correct measure to face hunger and the financial difficulties of Brazilians, citing as an example the greater use of firewood for cooking in the face of high cooking gas prices.
“If we transfer income, it is an electoral measure”, he complained. “So do we starve to death?”
At the same time that he used poverty to justify the expansion of benefits, the minister said that economic indicators show that the Brazilian economy is growing. He cited as an example the fall in unemployment and positive revisions to GDP growth.
High inflation, he argued, is on a downward trend. “Don’t believe the stories that put Brazil down,” she said. “People, for politics, sabotage Brazil”.
The minister repeated his belief that, while the world enters a recessive period, Brazil will have a growth cycle, driven by US$ 800 billion (R$ 4.2 trillion) in investments already contracted by the private sector.
In its favor, said the minister, Brazil has proximity to the largest consumer markets and investor confidence. “Europe needs Brazil to guarantee energy security. Europeans, Americans and Asians need Brazil for food security.”
Guedes also defended the administration of the country by the Jair Bolsonaro (PL) government, saying that the mandate began with the environmental tragedy of Brumadinho, went through the pandemic and now faces the effects of the War in Ukraine. “Brazil had a surprising performance for those who did not believe in Brazil.”
The minister left the event without speaking to the press, whom he also blamed for “fake news” about the performance of the economy. “The journalist, instead of seeking truths, weakens the media, which is one of the pillars of democracy.”
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