Analysis: Debate of presidential candidates has catchphrases and unpreparedness in the economy

The new political dynamics in Brazil, marked by the exchange of barbs and catchphrases on social networks, seems to have affected the political skills for more robust discussions, which require agility to argue.

In the heat of clashes, during an election campaign, there can always be a slip, here or there. But in the first debate between candidates this Sunday (28), the presidential candidates abused their catchphrases and showed a lack of ability to deal with economic issues with the seriousness they demand. The slips were primary.

In an attempt to engage the discussion of corruption with the economy, President Jair Bolsonaro (PL) went so far as to say that his government does not lack money because there is no robbery. There is no cause and effect relationship between the issues, and the budget constraint is a structural reality of the Brazilian State, which affects all governments.

Bolsonaro also got in the way when trying to defend himself against hunger having increased in his government and showed ignorance about inflation.

There is much to argue about the conduct of Auxílio Brasil in the Bolsonarista administration, but Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) limited himself to saying that a benefit of R$ 600 is not provided for in the 2023 LDO (Budget Guidelines Law). it may even show the current government’s unwillingness to extend the granting of the benefit, but Lula must know that this is a device that can be changed with some ease.

Ciro Gomes (PDT) insisted on criticizing the economic model that transfers billions of interest to the financial sector. A phrase repeated in all campaigns since redemocratization in the 1980s. The candidate talks about the payment of interest on federal government bonds. This is a debt that the State takes on to finance itself, whose interest reflects the greater or lesser confidence in the government at the time. This is how it works in all mature financial markets.