Haddad predicts growth above 2% and reaffirms zero deficit in 2024

The Minister of Finance, Fernando Haddad, stated this Wednesday (22) that Brazil could end the year with growth above 2%, despite the first half of the year growing “at more modest rates”. The statement was made in an interview with the channel GloboNews.

“I think the first half of the year is still a little affected by the Central Bank’s interest rate spike, because this all has a delayed effect over time. And it reached the real interest rate, because we think a lot about nominal interest rates and say: ‘Nominal interest rates reached their peak in 2022’. In fact, it is the real interest rate that affects the economy,” he said.

The minister also once again defended the goal of reaching zero deficit in 2024, and stated that the government will “seek the result”. However, he highlighted that the goal depends on “a series of factors that involve the Judiciary and the Legislature”.

“As long as I am Minister of Finance, I will persevere in this direction, because I believe that this will bring many benefits to Brazil. I have no doubt that we are doing what needs to be done,” he said.

According to Haddad, the work of the economic team will continue to “make sure that this result will come” regardless of when it is. “Will come. We have to persevere for him to come”, he guaranteed.

In the same interview, Haddad confirmed the withdrawal of the gradual repayment of the Provisional Measure (MP) payroll to make way for a Bill (PL) on the topic.