Government assesses that Ministry of Health could expand Lira’s power

Members of the government of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) admit behind the scenes that an eventual change in command of the Ministry of Health could expand the powers of the mayor, Arthur Lira (PP-AL). The folder commanded by Nísia Trindade has been courted in recent days by Centrão parliamentarians who sew support to the Executive’s base in Congress.

In addition to a budget of approximately R$180 billion, the portfolio also has almost R$15 billion available for nominations in parliamentary amendments this year alone. From June 1st to 16th, for example, the portfolio paid around R$2.4 billion in parliamentary amendments.

The vast majority of these payments were in individual amendments by deputies and senators. The amount refers to amounts actually paid by the ministry, and not to those promised or pledged.

The main indications of the amendments were for a temporary increase in the cost of primary health care services and those for a temporary increase in the cost of hospital and outpatient care services. Due to this robust budget, Lula’s allies believe that a possible change in command of the Ministry of Health could expand Lira’s influence with parliamentarians.

In the government’s calculations, such a move could maintain the power of negotiation with the deputies with the president of the Chamber, as was the case with amendments to the secret budget. Therefore, Lula’s allies defend a rapprochement with Lira, but with the condition that the Planalto be responsible for controlling the budget and the release of amendments.

To veto this wish, the Minister of Institutional Relations, Alexandre Padilha, denied the possible departure of Nísia Trindade from office. “We want to clearly state that President Lula, at no time, since the assembly of his government, since the choice of ministers, has placed the Ministry of Health as a party quota of any party”, said the minister after a meeting with Lula. at Palácio da Alvorada this Monday (19).

To try to minimize possible wear and tear in the relationship, Minister Alexandre Padilha denied that Lira had made any kind of demand to the government. “I want to be fair with President Arthur Lira. Both for me and for President Lula, at no time did President Arthur Lira claim any ministry, occupy any government ministry. He has to be fair in relation to that,” said Padilha .