The Câmara dos Deputados has postponed the vote on the Proposed Amendment to the Constitution (PEC) 31/07, which seeks to restrict access to abono salarial, originally set for December 19, 2024.
After rigorous discussions concerning the amendment presented by deputy Moses Rodrigues (União-CE), the Plenary voted to prioritize Rodrigues's text instead of PEC 45/24, proposed by the government. The decision received backing from leaders of the largest political parties within the Chamber.
According to Rodrigues, the proposed measures are aimed at fostering fiscal balance without undermining long-standing social rights. "Precisamos aprovar o texto para, além de garantir conquistas sociais de décadas, ter a sustentabilidade dessas conquistas e o equilíbrio fiscal necessário para o País" (We need to approve the text to not only secure social achievements of decades but also to maintain the sustainability of these achievements and the necessary fiscal balance for the country).
On the other hand, not everyone is on board with the proposed amendments. On the same day, the Chamber is also analyzing PEC 45/24, which lays out the gradual restriction of access to the abono salarial linked to the PIS/Pasep program, primarily affecting workers with formal employment and public servants.
President of the Chamber, Arthur Lira, defended the assessment of PEC 45/24 alongside PEC 31/07 as part of broader fiscal adjustments. The debate intensified as some opposition members criticized the rush to unify both proposals. "Vamos votar essa PEC 15 dias depois de ela ter chegado a esta Casa. A democracia tem de existir aqui dentro do Parlamento" (We will vote on this PEC 15 days after it has arrived at this House. Democracy must exist here inside the Parliament), asserted deputy Julia Zanatta (PL-SC).
The proposed restrictions are generating notable dissent among various party members. Allegations arose from the opposition stating the government was sidestepping due legislative processes. Deputy Glauber Braga (Psol-RJ) remarked, "Isto é um ajuste, é medida de austeridade" (This is an adjustment, it is measure of austerity), underscoring fears of eroding social welfare provisions.
Concerns have been particularly pronounced over the impact the reforms may have on families living on low incomes. The new measures are posited to limit access to the abono salarial from those earning up to two minimum wages, potentially affecting many vulnerable households.
Statements from the government’s leaders, including José Guimarães (PT-CE), aimed to cultivate some reassurance, as he added, "Tem um momento em que precisamos estar juntos, ainda que tenhamos reservas" (There is a moment when we need to be together, even if we have reservations) emphasizing the need for political cohesion even amid differing opinions.
Further complicity arose with suggestions of maintaining controversial salaries for public servants, with only lip service paid to address issues of ‘supersalários’ within government ranks. The deputy Adriana Ventura (Novo-SP) slammed the proposals by expressing her dismay, "Acho absurdo atacar BPC se a gente não cuida da elite do funcionalismo público" (I think it’s absurd to attack BPC if we don’t take care of the elite of public servants).
The discussion surrounding these amendments signals broader debates around fiscal policy, social equity, and the balance of responsibilities within the government. No conclusion has been reached as to when the proposals will be voted upon, but the tensions remain palpable.
The Chamber is expected to reconvene to address these pressing matters, underscoring the complexity of reconciling fiscal measures with the protection of the rights of Brazil's most vulnerable populations.
For many families reliant on the abono salarial, the outcome of these discussions could shape their economic futures significantly. The discussions portray the extent to which the government grapples with its fiscal priorities against the social fabric of Brazil, reflecting the increasing friction within the political arena.
