Minister also criticized Navy video on “privileges” published after inclusion of category expenses in the tax review package
The Defense Minister, José Múcio, said on the night of this Monday (10.FEV.2025) that the Budget of the Armed Forces is among the minors of South America and that Brazil faces financial difficulties to maintain its military structure. The statement was given during an interview with the program Rodas well TV Cultura.
Múcio pointed out that defense spending represents 1.1% of GDP (Gross Domestic Product), while the judiciary consumes around 1.5%. He compared the scenario with North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), which recommend that nations without conflicts invest 2% of GDP in the military area. “We have no money for absolutely nothing”Said the minister.
He mentioned that the PEC (proposal for amendment to the Constitution) of Senator Carlos Portinho (PL-RJ) can help reverse part of the financial difficulties. The aim to amend the Federal Constitution to ensure that the Ministry of Defense annually receives a minimum budget equivalent to 2% of the previous year’s GDP.
According to Múcio, the folder does not receive parliamentary amendments and faces challenges to finance projects such as the submarine program and the acquisition of Gripen fighters, both initiated in previous governments. “The money is over and we left without resources to absolutely everything”He said.
The minister also mentioned that, despite the limitations, the military continues operating in emergency situations. As an example, it mentioned the displacement of 20,000 army soldiers to Rio Grande do Sul and 3,000 to the Pantanal, in response to natural disasters. “Our contingent is small, but even smaller is our investment ”concluded.
Criticism of the Navy Video
Múcio also commented on a video for the Brazilian Navy, in which the corporation quoted the “privileges”From the category. The minister classified the publication as a strategy error. “That video was recklessness, it was inopportune. It was at a terrible moment“, These.
The video, published in December 2024, mixes images of sailors and Marines working in extreme situations with civilian scenes having fun in leisure times and family meetings. The idea was to show that the military career imposes deprivations that cannot be compared to those of civil professionals.
The publication was made shortly after the government includes military spending in the tax review package. Read the economy measures aimed at the military .
