Value equivalent to 2.55% of GDP in the 3rd four months; was below the legal limit provided for by the Fiscal Responsibility Law
The Union’s personnel expenditure, considering the federal Executive Branch, reached R$ 284 billion in the 3rd four months of 2025, according to data from the RGF (Fiscal Management Report) released by the National Treasury this Friday (Jan. 30, 2026).
The value corresponds to 2.55% of GDP (Gross Domestic Product) and remained below the alert limit and the ceiling established by the LRF (Fiscal Responsibility Law).
According to the report, total spending on active employees, retirees and pensioners increased compared to the same period of the previous year.
In 2024, expenditure was R$260 billion, an increase of 9.1% or R$23.7 billion in nominal terms. The real increase – considering inflation for the period and the updated value of R$273 billion – was 4%.
According to the Treasury, the growth in expenditure was mainly a reflection of salary adjustments granted to civil servants and the recomposition of careers.
Even with the increase, expenditure was below the maximum limit of 37.9% of the RCL (Net Current Revenue) foreseen for the federal Executive. In the 3rd four months, the impairment was 31.4% of the RCL. The prudential limit is 36%.
The Treasury stated that the result indicates maintenance of fiscal space to comply with LRF rules, even though the growth in mandatory expenses continues to put pressure on the budget.
The body highlighted that the increase in personnel expenses follows the resumption of the readjustment policy and the expansion of the number of employees in areas considered priority.
The report also shows that, despite the nominal increase, expenditure maintained relative stability when compared to GDP, which helped to contain the increase in the indicator as a proportion of the economy.
Understand
Controlling personnel expenses is one of the main indicators of the sustainability of public accounts and directly influences the federal government’s fiscal trajectory.
The growth in personnel expenses reduces the margin for investment and increases the budget’s rigidity. In times of economic slowdown or revenue frustration, this type of spending tends to make it difficult to meet fiscal targets.
