Planning Minister: Brazil needs to advance on social inclusion

Planning, Budget, and Management Minister Nelson Barbosa said today (Dec. 17) that Brazil needs to advance on social inclusion, and also on cash transfers. "We have now to consolidate these [social] gains. To make these social programs more sustainable and, at the same time, advance on social inclusion, which is not only cash transfer," he said.

According to Barbosa, the other issues Brazil shall focus on are its policies on good quality education and health care, transport and security. "These areas require great coordination in federal, state and municipal level" he noted. The minister also pointed out that the current moment, of public spending constraints, has not prevent some issues to advance.

"We cannot advance as quickly as everyone would be willing to, but we can advance on it. And it is possible to advance not only by [investing] more funds, but mainly, by improving management," he reported. Nelson Barbosa talked about the issue during a seminar on tax rules in the Institute for Applied Economic Research (IPEA).

He also commented on the fiscal target's approval of a 0.5% primary surplus with no possibility of reduction, and said it was the "possible deal" and it was discussed by the whole government's economic staff.

"All government's proposals are discussed with the economic staff. It was a government's proposal and negotiated in Congress. It was the possible deal to be agreed and it was a good deal," he declared.

Asked if he had been tipped for head of the Finance Ministry, in case Levy's ouster is confirmed, Barbosa avoided answering. "I will not comment on ministers' private affairs, or mine."

Translated by Amarílis Anchieta

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