In an interview with CNN, commented on the state debt renegotiation program with the Union.
On proposal institutes or Full Payment of State Debt Program (Propag) for the renegotiation of more than R$760 billion in debts of the federative units with the Union.
Nearly 90% of the value corresponds to debts from four states: Goiás, Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro and Rio Grande do Sul.
The governor of Minas Gerais expressed his expectation that the vetoes of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) will be overturned in the National Congress and warned of a “situation of calamity” if a viable payment for the states is not established.
“I hope that Lula’s vetoes fall in the Senate,” said Zema.
Interest rate criticism
The project establishes debt payment in up to 30 years, corrected by the Broad Consumer Price Index (IPCA) – currently at 4.5% per year – plus a rate that varies between 2% and 4%, depending on the agreement made. at the time of the contract. Today, interest is 4% plus the IPCA or Selic ().
The governor criticized the interest rate proposed by the Union, classifying it as unfeasible.
“What the Union wants to charge is an interest rate that is not feasible, that is not viable. This has already been demonstrated in the past”, stated Zema.
He conditioned Minas Gerais’s adherence to the program to the overturning of presidential vetoes.
Economic vision of Minas Gerais
Zema also highlighted the economic importance of Minas Gerais and stated that the state was responsible for a third of Brazil’s trade balance in the previous year.
The governor of Minas Gerais warned about the future consequences if there is no adequate solution for the states’ debt.
Zema predicts a “very dark scenario” and warned that, without a long-term vision, the Union could be forced to intervene in the states, which would result in even greater costs.
