Rousseff once again argues for generation of revenue to balance budget
President Dilma Rousseff once again argued for the creation of sources of revenue to bring the federal budget back into balance; the preservation of social programs like the My House, My Life affordable housing program 
President Dilma Rousseff once again argued for the creation of sources of revenue to bring the federal budget back into balance; the preservation of social programs like the My House, My Life affordable housing program; negotiations with Congress; and the articulation between the three government branches for the good of Brazil. Her statements were directed at radio stations in Paraíba and at a ceremony aimed to deliver housing units in the city of Campina Grande, in the same state.
In her speech, the president repeatedly mentioned the need to promote unity, regardless of political disagreements, in a bid to overcome the crisis.
“The strength to overcome difficulties is mustered by first acknowledging they exist. What should be done next? It's up to everybody, regardless of partisan interests and convictions, to first seek the good of Brazil—it's the first thing you should look at. It's just like your house. When faced with difficulty, people can overcome [their obstacles] more quickly if they stick together,” she argued.
President Dilma Rousseff greets dwellers.
According to the president, despite the economic challenges, the country must not take a step backwards after having made so much progress in the benefit of the poor. Social programs, such as the More Doctors and the My House, My Life programs, will be preserved, she went on to announce.
“A government makes choices. We choose to spend on the homes of people who need them the most—the families that need them the most—and that is a choice that serves as guide to my administration. My administration is committed to those among the poorest,” the president said.
Earlier in the day, during the interview with radio stations, Rousseff stated that the government “has cut whatever it could have cut or whatever could be expected,” with no significant changes to the government's social initiatives. She once again argued for the creation of sources of revenue as a way to rebalance the budget and tackle the deficit of approximately $8 billion in the 2016 budget plan, submitted to Congress this week.
“If we want a balanced budget, if we want to preserve the policies, we're going to have to take some measures. Some are administration measures. The second thing we're going to do is, we have to consider new sources of income, if we want to follow the law—and of course we do—and also [if we want to] ensure that the country doesn't move backwards,” she said.
The president once again argued that, by submitting the budget plan with a deficit, the government was not shifting its responsibilities to Congress. She further declared that the government does not want the deficit to be maintained; rather, the government is willing to find ways to generate the necessary revenue and bring the budget back into balance.
On the relationship with the National Congress amid the political and economic crisis facing the country, Rousseff said that the synergy between the government branches is founded on the Federal Constitution, which ensures their autonomy, though in a harmonious way. According to the president, disputes should not prevent Congress from working to attain macroeconomic, political and social stability by passing and amending laws.
“Debates are part and parcel with democracy, as well as disagreements. Absolute convergence can only be found in the peace and quiet of graveyards. Apart from that, people are entitled to differ and speak their minds. Now, everyone should pursue a single principle—the principle of stability in the country,” she concluded.
Translated by Fabrício Ferreira
Fonte: Rousseff once again argues for generation of revenue to balance budget
