Rousseff urges Workers' Party to back fiscal adjustment

President Dilma Rousseff said at the opening session of the 5th National Congress of the Workers' Party (PT) late on Thursday (June 11) that the government was brave in implementing the fiscal adjustment. She urged the party members to support the policies and help defend the government against criticism. According to Rousseff, changes in the economy do not mean that the government is going back in its commitment to the party's historical causes.

The fiscal adjustment introduced by Finance Minister Joaquim Levy has been met with criticism among Workers' Party members and some measures have received dissenting votes from party deputies and senators at Congress.

“This is the time to say that we are a government that has the courage to make adjustments and that it makes such adjustments to ensure sustainability, continuation, longevity, and help advance the development and change agenda we have pursued since 2003,” the president said.

Addressing the party activists, the president was clear: “I'm here to assure every one of the party members that we've got a strong, consistent agenda, with policies that will revive growth and ensure continuation and progress in the process of social inclusion and upward mobility of our people.”

Rousseff conceded that internal criticism is “necessary” but urged the party to stand by her side, saying party advocates need to be on guard against those who want the government to fail.

“All of you here share this drive to change Brazil. To achieve this, we must stand together and firm. I need each one of you, with as much strength as you can give me, to stand by me,” she asked.

Translated by Mayra Borges