PT’s Gleisi Hoffmann will meet with the government to discuss changes to the BPC and plan the party’s future for the 2026 elections.
During the meeting of the National Directory of , the party president, , announced that the party bench plans to meet with the federal government to address its concerns regarding changes to the tax package that affect the Continuous Payment Benefit (BPC). The meeting is scheduled for next week, where the measures in question will be discussed in detail. Gleisi also clarified that there are no conversations with the president about his possible appointment as minister.
The resolution, defended by the majority current of the party, Construindo um Novo Brasil (CNB), adopts a moderate tone, avoiding more incisive criticism of the expense containment package. The text emphasizes that the debate must preserve constitutional rights and focus on correcting deviations and fraud in the system. According to the tax package, the BPC will be allocated to people unable to live independently and work. Currently, the benefit serves seniors over 65 years of age and people with disabilities from low-income families. Among the new proposed criteria are:
- Inclusion of retirement and pensions in the calculation of per capita family income
- Obligation to update records that are out of date for more than two years
“We are going to start debating with the bench this week. But many people [do PT] expressed concerns [com o pacote fiscal]mainly in relation to the BPC. It is important that the measures are to correct fraud, deviations, but not the withdrawal of rights provided for in the Constitution”, said Gleisi. The most left wing of the party harshly criticized the changes in the BPC and the policy of increasing the minimum wage. This wing considers the changes “a big mistake” that harms the poorest. However, the resolution that contained tougher text lost by a narrow margin to the moderates.
Gleisi Hoffmann confirmed that she will continue leading the party until June 2025. The election for the change of command of the PT is scheduled to take place in early July 2024, and she highlighted the importance of developing a solid program for the party, aiming for the elections presidential elections of 2026. The construction of this strategic planning is seen as essential for the future of the party.
Furthermore, Gleisi Hoffmann addressed the issue of punishment for military personnel who were involved in the alleged coup attempt during Jair Bolsonaro’s administration, stating that there is no room for amnesty. She also mentioned the need to review article 142 of the Constitution, which is often interpreted as supporting the Armed Forces’ role as a “moderating power”.
Published by Felipe Dantas
*Report produced with the help of AI
