In NY, Temer talks about resuming debate on pension reform this year

During a US Chamber of Commerce lunch meeting with executives in New York on Monday (Sep. 24), Brazilian President Michel Temer said he will meet with the next Brazilian president to propose a pension reform in Brazil as soon as the October elections are over. Temer is to remain in his post until January 1, when Brazil’s new head of state is to take office. Until then, he plans on convincing his successor of the need for an immediate revision of the Brazilian pension system.

“I’m sure that, after I see him, he will be mindful of the fact that the measure is crucial. This is not essential for a government, but rather for Brazil,” Temer said, while talking about the deficit in the system. In a speech underlining the rise of Brazil’s prestige before American entrepreneurs, Temer said he believes in the continuity of the overhauls spearheaded by his administration. “I have confidence in our democracy, the solidity of our economy, and our ability to grow with social justice,” he declared.

In his address, the Brazilian president took stock of his administration. – Cesar Itibere / President's Office

Fiscal responsibility

“Amid heated debates and the urge to garner more and more votes,” he argued, it is natural that “candidates allow themselves to play in different positions, with vague, even contradictory arguments.” Nonetheless, he stressed he believes every presidential hopeful converges when it comes to the defense of fiscal responsibility, social protection, and democracy.

“After all, the [reforms on our] agenda are nothing but the reflection of this consensus. Therefore, the electoral rhetoric not considered, we may affirm that there is no turning back with the overhauls we have been implementing,” he said.

In his address, the Brazilian president took stock of his administration. “Since the first moment, our commitment with [fiscal] responsibility has been absolute,” he pointed out. The outcome of these efforts, he said, are made manifest by inflation under control, a lower interest rate, and the recovery of the Brazilian economy. “Jobs are coming back; in August alone, 110 thousand formal job posts were created,” he added.

Tomorrow (25), Michel Temer is to deliver the opening speech of the 73rd General Assembly of the United Nations, which should include a defense of multilateralism, arguments against protectionism, concerns over immigration, and issues related to international security. Before returning to Brazil, Temer is to meet with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, from Portugal, and Colombia’s new President Iván Duque. A meeting with leaders of Mercosur—a bloc formed by Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay, as Venezuela has been suspended—is also expected to take place.