Government wants dialogue with Congress to increase revenue, Barbosa says
According to Nelson Barbosa, the document on budget forecast is "realistic" and it is necessary to work to stabilize spending. (Wilson Dias/Agência Brasil)
Minister of Planning, Budget and Management Nelson Barbosa announced Monday (Aug. 31), at the presidential office, that the government wants to "invest" in dialogue with Congress to increase 2016 revenue. The annual budget proposal submitted by the government forecasts a 0.5% deficit in gross domestic product. According to the minister, the primary deficit can be eliminated, "but it involves legal action, as bills and constitutional amendments. The government wants to invest in this dialogue," noted Barbosa.
According to the minister, the document on budget forecast is "realistic" and it is necessary to work to stabilize spending. "Simultaneous to a realistic budget, there is also the schedule to carry out a long-term reform in fiscal policy, containing the growth of spending in pension plans, payroll, health care and education. It is possible to contain the growth of these expenses and still meet the population's demands. "
Among the new tax measures to raise revenues, the government will review taxation value of computers, tablets and smartphones and will also review the taxation of distilled beverage, wine and similar products.
In addition, the government will review the Tax on Financial Transactions (IOF in Portuguese) levied on credit operations of the Brazilian Social Development Bank (BNDES). The expected revenue from these measures is $3 billion.
The government also hopes to raise $10.22 billion from sale of real estate, wider concessions, shareholdings sale in companies of direct and indirect public administration.
*With additional reporting by Mariana Branco and Luciano Nascimento.
Translated by Amarílis Anchieta
Fonte: Government wants dialogue with Congress to increase revenue, Barbosa says
