Lula’s meeting after the Reform had relaxation and complaints – 07/07/2023 – Market

The meeting of President Lula (PT) with the President of the Chamber of Deputies, Arthur Lira (PP-AL), and party leaders this Friday (7) after the approval of the Tax Reform had a relaxed atmosphere and whiskey and beer for the guests, but it was also marked by complaints from the representative and a message to the leader of the PT in the Chamber, Zeca Dirceu (PT-PR).

The Chief Executive complained about the vote that overturned the extension of tax benefits until 2032 for automakers in the Northeast. There was only one vote left for the extension of the benefit, and Zeca did not attend the vote.

After Lula’s complaint, Lira said that the support of the leader of her party for the matter was lacking.

Zeca is a deputy for Paraná and the Legislative decision benefits his state, since, without incentives, the tendency is for there to be a decentralization of the automotive industries in the country.

The end of the exemption was a flag of the governor of Paraná, Ratinho Jr. (PSD-PR), and the state bench.

Lula told the parliamentarians that automakers are important for economic growth and mentioned that, in other countries, these companies receive different treatment.

In session this Friday, the plenary overthrew a device of the Reform that assured tax benefits to the Chinese automaker that will install itself where the Ford factory in Camaçari, Bahia used to operate.

The initiative would also serve Stellantis, which has a Jeep factory in Goiana (Pernambuco). The article was important to the Executive and, according to reports, was a request endorsed by Lula.

At this Friday’s meeting, Lula thanked the parliamentarians for their effort in approving the matters this week in the Chamber and showed optimism with the country’s economic scenario. He also indicated to those present that he should launch the so-called New PAC (Growth Acceleration Program) during the parliamentary recess.

According to reports, the atmosphere was friendly and relaxed. The petista said he intends to hold new meetings like the one this Friday and stressed the importance of maintaining dialogue between the Executive and the Legislative.

After the meeting, he published a photo with everyone present on social networks. Ministers Rui Costa (Casa Civil) and Alexandre Padilha (Secretary of Institutional Relations) also participated, in addition to the leader of the government in the Chamber, José Guimarães (PT-CE).

“I met with the mayor, @ArthurLira_, and representatives of the deputies at the end of this Friday afternoon, to thank you for the important votes of the week. Important projects not for me or the government, but for Brazil,” he wrote.

Deputies heard by Sheet under reservation, they state that changes in the PT’s ministry were not discussed. The presence of parliamentarians from the PP and the Republicans, however, was evaluated positively by the Planalto Palace.

Behind the scenes, however, it is taken for granted that other changes will take place at the Esplanada dos Ministérios, in addition to the replacement of Daniela Carneiro (União Brasil-RJ) by Celso Sabino (União Brasil-PA) at the Ministry of Tourism.

In recent days, Planalto has given a positive signal to party leaders regarding the possibility of exchanges on the Esplanada to attract PP and Republicans. The name of deputy Silvio Costa Filho (Republicanos-PE) is quoted to head the Ministry of Sports, while André Fufuca (PP-MA), leader of the acronym in the Chamber, is remembered for the Ministry of Social Development.

In addition, people close to the negotiations claim that the PT may also offer the command of Funasa (National Health Foundation) for a name that is consensus between PP, Republicans and União Brasil.

The possibility of changing the presidency of Caixa Econômica Federal is also discussed behind the scenes. For the post, the name of Gilberto Occhi, who once headed the institution, is remembered.

Through the networks, Lula celebrated the approval of the proposal that changes taxes on consumption. “Brazil will have its first Tax Reform of the democratic period. A historic moment and a great victory for the country. Congratulations to the Chamber of Deputies for the significant approval yesterday and to Minister @Haddad_Fernando for his commitment to dialogue and the advancement of the reform”, published in social network.

Earlier, Minister Fernando Haddad (Finance) praised Lira’s performance and predicts that the proposal will not face “great difficulties” in the Senate.

“[Lira] he was a great leader, he played a fundamental role”, said the minister, who also praised the work done by Bernard Appy, extraordinary secretary for Tax Reform.

“President Arthur Lira’s conduct was very republican, he listened to everyone. He only put it to the vote when he was sure that he had achieved almost a consensus. Only the extremists who wanted to demarcate [posição]but it was not enough to prevent an absolutely expressive score”, added the holder of the Treasury.

Lira, during the day, stated that she spoke with different actors about the proposal, including former president Jair Bolsonaro (PL).

“I called for him [Bolsonaro]rightly stating, without making any value judgments, or asking for a position, that this reform was born in his government, was carried out within the National Congress and that it was from Brazil, but nothing more than that, we talked quickly”, he said.

He also defended that both the approval of the Reform and the other economic agendas being discussed in Congress —Carf and the new fiscal framework— may have an influence on the next Copom meeting and consequently on the interest rate, which has been criticized by the government and by parliamentarians for being high.