Panel SA: Supermarkets thank Bolsonaro and ask Procon to limit

Amid the escalating inflation that affects food and erodes the sector’s margins, the president of Abras (Brazilian Association of Supermarkets), João Galassi, praised and thanked President Jair Bolsonaro at an event this Monday (16).

“The challenges are enormous, but we have a lot to be thankful for. Especially to President Bolsonaro and the National Congress for Auxílio Brasil, which doubled the income of the most needy, for the reduction of taxes with the reduction of the IPI, and for the reduction of import taxes of the basic basket items. And for the recent injunction that equalizes the prices of diesel taxes in the states”, said Galassi in his opening speech at the Apas Show, an event of the Paulista Association of Supermarkets.

In the same speech, Galassi acknowledged the economic crisis, inflation, high interest rates and the vulnerability of the population, but noted that the scenario is worsened by world phenomena, such as the pandemic and the Ukrainian War.

The president of Abras also stated that it is urgent to limit the fines imposed by Procon for consumer infringement. The matter is discussed in a bill by deputy Marco Bertaiolli (PSD-SP), which is pending in the Chamber.

He also asked for a reduction in fees for electronic means of payment, especially Mastercard, and food vouchers.

Galassi ended his speech by reporting that the Minister of Economy, Paulo Guedes, told him that supermarkets and agriculture kept Brazil alive during the pandemic.

The speech of the supermarket representative took place at the event in which Bolsonaro mocked the TSE (Superior Electoral Court) and said that elections can be troubled.

Joana Wedge with Andressa Motter and Paulo Ricardo Martins