Abrape rebuts government and says that tax waiver with Perse is R$ 6.5 billion

The Brazilian Association of Event Promoters (Abrape) released this Tuesday (5) a survey on the tax waiver with the Emergency Program for the Resumption of the Events and Tourism Sector (Perse). According to the entity, the waiver from the program was R$6.5 billion, very different from the amount announced by the government of R$17 billion last year.

The study was carried out by Tendências Consultoria, based on official data, and including the analysis of invoices. The value of R$6.5 billion considered the 44 economic activities eligible for Perse.

According to the survey, there was a slower recovery in the event and tourism sectors compared to other economic activities post-pandemic.

The president of Abrape, Doreni Caramori, informed that the study proves the real cost of Perse and should raise awareness in Congress to prevent the end of the program that could “stop an investment cycle”.

“Entrepreneurs have been carrying debt since the pandemic, which was paid in installments over the years, and they rely on Perse not only to pay off these commitments, but also to continue working,” he declared.

The government issued a provisional measure at the end of December to bring forward the end of Perse. Congress had extended the program until 2026, but the MP promotes a gradual reduction in the tax benefit starting this year, ending in 2025. The government’s decision was criticized by parliamentarians and businesspeople, and the news that the Treasury is investigating irregularities are described as “blackmail” by oppositionists.

This Tuesday (5), Minister Fernando Haddad, of Finance, stated that the government will propose a leaner version of Perse. The issue is at the center of a discussion that has put the government and Congress on a collision course due to the minister’s intention to end the program ahead of schedule.