Economics
Brazil Economy Chief’s Cringeworthy Remarks Rekindle Reform Push
- President Bolsonaro praised Guedes amid uproar over comments
- Bolsonaro, lawmakers agreed to submit administrative reform
This article is for subscribers only.
President Jair Bolsonaro’s show of support for his controversial economy minister is quickly translating into an unexpected political boost for Brazil’s investor-friendly agenda.
Economy Minister Paulo Guedes has faced criticism in the past few weeks after comparing public servants to parasites, appearing to back a weak real and sneering at maids who were able to travel to Disney World thanks to the past strength of the Brazilian currency. That uproar is prompting President Jair Bolsonaro to boost support for Guedes and his policies, according to three government advisors who aren’t authorized to speak publicly on the matter.