The Minister of Defense, José Múcio, said that he accepted the request of the Minister of Finance, Fernando Haddad, regarding the cost-cutting measures. The statement was given this Thursday (21), about a week after a meeting with ministers and President Lula (PT).
Among other things, the proposal presented by Haddad foresees changes in spending on military retirement and career progression.
“We complied with what the Treasury asked,” said José Múcio to CNN Brazil.
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Múcio confirmed that a change in the minimum age for soldiers to join the paid reserve is also being debated. Currently, the minimum age is 55 years old.
Currently, soldiers must have 35 years of service to join the reserves. The change could increase the length of service by three years.
The cut also provides for the end of the benefit paid to family members of military personnel expelled from the Armed Forces; increasing the discount for health funds to 3.5%; and the end of pension payments to relatives such as parents and siblings (second order beneficiaries) after the benefit has already been granted to spouses and children (first order beneficiaries).
“Sacrifice”
On Wednesday (20), Múcio said that the ministry and the Armed Forces will be asked by Minister Fernando Haddad for the spending cut package that has been discussed for three weeks.
“We will contribute exactly as Minister Haddad asked us to contribute. It means that we are setting an example, a sacrifice to solve the country’s problem, which concerns everyone”, declared the minister.
Múcio also said that he discussed the cut with the commanders of the Armed Forces and that this reflects what would be a commitment to collaborate with the proposed economic measures.
