Brasília/DF Column, published on May 9, 2024, by Denise Rothenburg
The Mixed Budget Committee was willing to help accelerate proposals for budget supplementation through bills — the so-called PLNs —, with a vote scheduled for tomorrow, in the Congress session. But the opposition put its foot down and, with the support of the center parties, did not allow anything to be done by decree, without authorization from Parliament.
Speaking of authorization… The proposal for deputies from other states to send amendments to Rio Grande do Sul was agreed upon at the CMO meeting. There’s just one small problem: it remains to be seen whether the Excellencies will stop attending to their mayors to reinforce the volume of resources for the tragedy that Rio Grande do Sul is experiencing. In an election year, as the reader of the column already knows, there is resistance.
Unpredictable airport
The expected reopening of Salgado Filho Airport, in Porto Alegre, in 30 days, will have to be redone. Experts say that when the water recedes, there will be at least another 30 days of testing and measuring the asphalt to see if the runway will support the landings.
“Pup” amendment
This is the name that deputies gave to the division of individual amendments to serve Rio Grande do Sul. The suggestion, presented in the Joint Budget Committee, will allow deputies to divide one amendment into several. And, thus, distribute the values to the municipalities of Rio Grande do Sul.
Cover and monitor
At the Institute for Strategic Health Management of the Federal District (IGESDF), the amendments from deputies and senators are listed on the website and it says what they were applied to. There are those who advocate that the same system be adopted, now, in an easily accessible database, on resources sent to Rio Grande do Sul.
No climate
With the situation in Rio Grande do Sul becoming sadder every day, the Judiciary’s five-year period tends to go to waste. It is not possible to increase the salaries of this and other categories while the people of Rio Grande do Sul need to rebuild the entire state and there are thousands of homeless people.
Chiquinho and the “priest”
Former senator Chiquinho Escórcio, from Maranhão, was in the Senate corridor when, suddenly, Father Kelmon passed by — yes, the one who was a candidate for president of the Republic for the PTB. Chiquinho couldn’t contain himself: “Father, Father!” Kelmon looked to see who called him. Chiquinho was direct: “I excommunicate you in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit!” General laughter in the circle of people from Maranhão.
Poker face
Kelmon said nothing. He looked away and continued on his way. He is looking for a party to run for mayor of São Paulo.
Change of plans
The president of the Senate, Rodrigo Pacheco, warned friends that he should no longer travel to the United States for Brazilian Week, with several events, such as the Lide Brazil Investment Forum, by João Doria, another by the Financial Times, a presentation from Vale do Lithium (Vale do Jequitinhonha, in Minas Gerais) on Nasdaq and, also, Fórum Esfera. The events in New York are seen as an opportunity to attract investment to Brazil and seek partnerships, including to combat climate change.
And while we’re talking about climate change…
We are not prepared to face climate tragedies the size of the one occurring in the south of the country. Public authorities need to study, learn and plan to prevent this sadness from happening again.
