Pension reform gets Senate nod in first round

“We’re doing our homework,” President Bolsonaro said about the reform

Published on 02/10/2019 - 15:44 By Andreia Verdélio - Brasília

President Jair Bolsonaro said today (Oct 2) that the approval of the constitutional amendment bill on the reform in the country’s pension system is a sign that “we’re doing our homework” in the efforts to restore investment and balance in Brazil’s public accounts.

The president described the piece of legislation as “a necessary reform.” “We have no plan B, for me or for anyone. The other administrations attempted to do it but failed,” he told his supporters, who were waiting for him outside the Alvorada Palace, the president’s official residence.

After a four-hour session, the floor of the Senate approved the proposal 56–19. No abstentions were made. A total of 49 votes was required—three fifths of all senators plus one—for the plan to move on.

The legislation is still pending a second-round nod to pass and the new rules for retirement, pensions and allowances to become effective. This is expected to take place by October 10.

Translation: Fabrício Ferreira -  Edition: Valéria Aguiar / Nira Foster

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