Brazil: Temer praises Senate's approval of bill on public spending cap
President Michel Temer celebrated and thanked the Senate for the second-round approval of the constitution amendment bill (PEC, in the original Portuguese acronym) that imposes a 20-year government spending cap. Referring to the bill as the "first amendment aimed at getting the country out of recession," Temer said he has "the courage to govern" and promote the changes the country needs.
"If I did not have courage, I would reduce spending for two years [period for the end of his term of office]? Why handle with Social Security? I could leave it for later, for another person to deal with a messed up and disjointed country. But this is not the position of person who owes everything to Brazil and who loves Brazil," said the president.
The PEC, known as the government spending cap PEC, was approved by 53 to 16, a smaller difference than the first-round vote (61-14). Temer explained the difference: Senate President Renan Calheiros cast the initial vote earlier than expected.
When thanking the National Congress for what he called "competence" and "absolute concern for Brazil," the president also said that the partnership between the executive branch and lawmakers is ensuring the government's recent victories in Congress.
"There are conflicts, there are problems in the country, but we cannot keep them indefinitely," said the president.
Translated by Amarílis Anchieta
Fonte: Brazil: Temer praises Senate's approval of bill on public spending cap
