Brazil’s Lower House Approves Bill That Eases Austerity Law
- Proposal makes budget room for Bolsonaro’s new social program
- Bill now needs the backing of senators in two rounds of voting
Brazil's national congress in Brasilia
Photographer: Dado GaldieriThis article is for subscribers only.
Brazil’s lower house of congress passed a controversial proposal that bends the country’s fiscal rules to finance a new social program President Jair Bolsonaro is launching ahead of his 2022 re-election campaign.
The so-called precatorios bill was approved late on Tuesday by 323-172 votes, a wider margin of support than it had received just a week ago. It now needs the backing of three-fifths of senators, also in two rounds of voting. Senate President Rodrigo Pacheco still has to decide whether the proposal will be analyzed by the constitution and justice committee before the floor vote.