Primary result depends on Congress, says Haddad

The Minister of Finance, Fernando Haddadstated this Tuesday (6.Feb.2024) that he is looking for different ways to meet the goal of zeroing the primary deficit in 2024. Even so, he said that the primary result depends on the National Congress.

“The more maturity you have in understanding the political context, the easier it becomes. Today, what was the government's goal is the country's goal. The result does not come by magic. It depends on several factors, such as the assessment of the measures that the government sends to Congress. Congress has the final say. The primary result depends on him”, said at a BTG Pactual event in São Paulo.

Haddad said that his economic team works 24 hours a day to balance public accounts. According to him, it is not the responsibility of the Minister of Finance “do everything”but present a work plan, debate it and seek viable execution. “And politics needs to help”he stated.

“The fiscal framework guarantees that a contingency of 0.25% of GDP can come. We can also use the band of 0.25% of GDP, in addition to the contingency. We have a margin of 0.5% of GDP. We want to achieve the goal without contingencies. But these measures need the support of Congress and society”, declared.

The statement is made at a time of escalating tension between the President of the Chamber, Arthur Lira (PP-AL), and the president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT). At the opening of the Legislative's work, Lira made a harsh speech against the government's political articulation. According to him, the National Congress “was not elected to stamp” proposals.

“We were not elected to stamp. This is not what the Brazilian people expect from us. What is expected is independence and a combination of efforts, always in favor of the country”, he said. “Good politics is based on an essential pillar: respect for signed agreements and keeping your word committed”, completed. Here's the complete of the speech (PDF – 417 kB).

Lira and party leaders complain that the government has failed to comply with agreements signed with Planalto, especially with the Minister of Institutional Relations, Alexandre Padilha. The President of the Chamber declared that the Budget belongs to everyone and not just the Executive.

The statement comes after Lula veto R$5.6 billion in parliamentary amendments within the Budget. The measure angered congressmen, who prepare to overturn the veto.

At this Tuesday's event, Haddad said he preferred not to comment on parliamentary amendments to avoid tensions.