The National Congress formally began legislative work this Thursday (2nd), in a ceremony held in the plenary of the Chamber of Deputies. The defense of democracy and the fight against extremism set the tone for the opening speeches. The ceremony opened with the reading of the message from the President of the Republic, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who promised dialogue with Congress and the search for consensus for the reconstruction of the country.
The president highlighted the demonstrations of “commitment to the Brazilian people” with the approval of the Transition PEC to enable the execution of this year’s Budget, and with that, the payment of Bolsa Família of R$ 600; and the quick reaction to the coup act of January 8, including the approval of the intervention in the security of the Federal District.
“I reiterate my conviction that the Brazilian people reject violence. He wants peace to study and the right to dream of a better future for himself and for those to come. It is urgent to face hunger and inequalities, looking at everyone, but especially at the poorest, otherwise we will never truly conquer real democracy”, stated Lula.
The message was read by the 1st secretary of the Board of Directors of the Congress, deputy Luciano Bivar (União-PE). The text is part of a 180-page document, which describes the priorities in each area of government. Among the main points of action in the Legislative, the government’s priority is to vote on the provisional measures for the restructuring of ministries (MP 1154/23) and the supplement to the Bolsa Família (MP 1155/23).
The president also highlighted the review of spending cap rules and tax reform “to redistribute the tax burden more fairly.” In the area of education, he said that he will present, later this year, proposals to increase day care centers and full-time schools, revise budgets and expand vacancies at federal educational institutes, with emphasis on the quota system.
With regard to health, Lula highlighted the Popular Pharmacy, the expansion of the offer of specialized care, with a reduction in queues for exams and procedures, and also the resumption of vaccination campaigns.
The President of Congress, Senator Rodrigo Pacheco (PSD-MG), stated that public health, economic growth and social development should be the priority of Parliament. The congressman defended the strengthening of the Unified Health System (SUS) and the National Immunization Program (PNI), in addition to the universalization of sanitation.
On the economic agenda, Pacheco stated that it is necessary to return to growth and job creation. The parliamentarian also stated that the country should consider sustainable development combined with fiscal responsibility. “The National Congress will spare no efforts to advance the development agenda”, he said.
Pacheco also highlighted the need to pacify society based on the harmonic action of institutions. He recalled the January 8 attacks on the headquarters of the Three Powers and stated that the authorities should direct society towards the path of respect for differences.
“Right now, I assume my commitment to the democratic pact with the institutions, with dialogue, with cooperation. The Federal Senate and the Chamber of Deputies will not omit at any time in the face of threats to the democratic process, to free and direct elections and to the integrity and reliability of electronic voting machines”, he said.
The president of the Chamber of Deputies, Arthur Lira (PP-AL), also defended that the biggest challenge of this legislature is to contribute to national pacification. Lira recalled the acts of vandalism on January 8 and stated that attacks on democracy will not be repeated.
“The cowardly attacks on democracy made explicit the fact that the Legislative Power cannot be confused with the building where it operates. The Parliament is the gentlemen and ladies gathered, chosen by the will of the Brazilian people enshrined in the polls, people whom we must honor and serve with the best of our effort and dedication”, said Lira in a speech.
For Lira, among the Chamber’s priorities will be tax reform and the approval of a new fiscal paradigm. “I have no doubt that the simplification of our tax system will have positive effects on tax collection and social justice. Brazil has been calling for a definitive solution to this challenge for a long time”, he highlighted.
*With information from the Chamber Agency
