The first-round leader said a Bolsonaro government would keep raising pensions above inflation, a day after Folha reported advisers were studying an inflation cap on social-benefit growth.
Brazilian presidential candidate Flavio Bolsonaro said on Thursday that, if he wins the October 25 runoff, he would keep raising pensions faster than inflation. Reuters reported the remarks from Brasilia. Bolsonaro finished first in Sunday's first round.
The comments came a day after Folha de S.Paulo reported that campaign advisers were studying a plan to curb mandatory federal spending and save 250 billion reais, about 49.8 billion dollars. Folha said the package, roughly 2 percent of GDP, would scrap constitutional floors that tie health and education spending to revenue growth and index those budgets only to inflation. Reuters said Folha also reported that social-benefit growth would be capped at inflation.
Bolsonaro told reporters he would not balance the books on the backs of those who need it most. He did not directly address the Folha report, Reuters said. Campaign economic coordinator Adolfo Sachsida wrote on X that any fiscal adjustment would focus on reducing government excesses. Sachsida said a Bolsonaro government would keep all social programs, cut taxes, and not privatize Petrobras or Banco do Brasil.
President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the runoff opponent, is warning that a Bolsonaro government would put social gains at risk, including above-inflation wage and pension increases, Reuters reported.
The new fact is Bolsonaro's Thursday pension pledge. The 250 billion reais figure is Folha's account of adviser discussions, not a published campaign document.
People Sentiments Mixed
- Bolsonaro said he would not balance the books on the backs of those who need it most.
- Sachsida said any adjustment would focus on reducing government excesses.
- Lula is warning that above-inflation pension rises would be at risk.