Amid criticism veiled and explicit economic policy of the first government Dilma Rousseff, Joaquim Levy took over the Treasury, announced his staff and indicated that the next steps could include high taxes.
“Possible adjustments to certain taxes will also be considered,” he said yesterday (5), during his inaugural address.
Without detailing the cases in the study, Levy indicated that the preference will “that tend to increase domestic savings and reduce sectoral imbalances in the tax burden.”
Booking, members of the economic area have already indicated that should raise the contribution levied on gasoline and other fuels, reduced to zero in 2012 to curb rising prices.
The sectoral tax cuts promoted in recent years have been the subject of a not very subtle attack.
“We can not look for shortcuts and benefits that result in marked reduction of taxation for some segments, however attractive they may be, without considering its effects on government solvency,” spoke.
While taking care to use the verb in the future tense, purchased with what looks like a description of the first Rousseff’s mandate: “That would be the formula for low endemic economic growth.”
The minister also cited Article of the Fiscal Responsibility Law that determines tax benefits to cut costs, the text of the previous team wanted to change.
He announced that the IRS will return to Jorge Rachid command, one of the central figures in the fiscal adjustment promoted with increase in taxes in the first Lula government (see text below about Levy’s secretariat).
patrimonialism
The new orientation expressed by Levy, however, was not limited to the promise of greater austerity in public accounts. His statement also attacked government policies that favor private interests.
Traditional in Brazilian political science, criticism of patronage endorsed by the Minister reaches the policy adopted at the PT administration, protection, incentives and subsidies to selected sectors and entrepreneurs.
“The antithesis of patrimonial system is impersonality in state affairs,” said Levy. Then, in an interview, advocated more competition in the market, clearer rules.
The minister, liberal, said he was only echoing the president, developmental – “until the affinity of thought.” Last month, at the ceremony of his graduation, Dilma also attacked the patrimonial system.
But it was not conciliatory to defend the end of state favors: “The illusion that the financial security of the Treasury may be a cloak which eliminates the delay or circumvent the need to face problems, gaps or distortions in any industry should not find shelter” .
A goodness granted by the government last year, the possibility of discounts on debts of states and municipalities with the Union, must not happen anytime soon, said the minister. The theme is “very complex” and will be conducted with “maximum possible dialog” evaded.
As for the impact of adjustments in the economy and employment, the minister avoided forecasts. Said just do not believe in “no sudden stop.”
The minister did not mention his predecessor, Guido Mantega, who was not at the ceremony.
Did, however, a reference to “doctors who knew brilliantly lead the folder of Finance”. Antonio Palocci first incumbent minister in the Lula government and former head of Levy in the folder, is public health physician.
