Mercosur–EU deal nearly ready: Bolsonaro

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro said “just few details” are to be settled before a commercial agreement between Mercosur and the European Union is concluded. The statement was in Buenos Aires, during Bolsonaro’s first official trip to Argentina, on Thursday (Jun 6).

“Just a few details are missing. It’s an important deal for both countries. The topics include wine, dairy, some things [Economy Minister] Paulo Guedes has been dealing with, and we’ll settle this matter for the coming weeks,” Bolsonaro told journalists.

EU and Mercosur have held talks o a free trade deal for 20 years. Its signature was postponed especially after industrial and agricultural sectors on both sides showed resistance. The Brazilian government expects talks are concluded by June.

Venezuela, G20

Bolsonaro also mentioned the situation in Venezuela at the meeting with President Macri. The two heads of state do not recognize the government of Nicolás Maduro, and, since the beginning of this year, have considered self-proclaimed President  Juan Guaidó as Venezuela’s legitimate leader.

“It’s difficult to bring a dictatorship to an end. There, we expect a split-up among Venezuelan army leaders, otherwise it’s tough to bring the region back to normal again,” the Brazilian president argued.

During the G20 meeting, Bolsonaro went on to say, a gathering with US President Donald Trump and the presidents of four South American countries is being arranged. The meeting should take place on June 28 and 29, in Japan.

Pension system

When asked about disagreement among Congress members on the inclusion of states and municipalities in the overhaul in Brazil’s pension system, Bolsonaro admitted that the topic is tiresome, but argued that changes in retirement rules should include all levels. “Everyone should be on the same boat. We’d really like it to be a reform that covers everybody, with votes from all parties,” he said.