Ministro criticam avaliação negativa do mercado sobre governo Lula

Ministers Simone Tebet and Rui Costa, from the Planning and Civil House Ministries respectively, voiced strong criticism of the negative assessment of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s government by financial market agents during the inauguration of a cellulose factory in Mato Grosso do Sul on Thursday (December 5th). They argued that this assessment is inconsistent with several positive economic indicators.

Positive Indicators Cited by Ministers:

• Increased public and private investments.
• Economic growth exceeding expectations (3.3% in 2023 and projected 3.5% in 2024, compared to market predictions of 1% and 1.5%, respectively).
• Historically low unemployment and high employment rates.
• Successful social policies leading to reduced school dropout rates.
• A 15% increase in credit for individuals and a 13% rise in the national wage bill, reaching its highest level ever.

Minister Tebet stated, “Eu não posso acreditar que, com um governo tão bem avaliado como este, o tal do mercado o avalie em 90% como ruim. Isso não é imparcialidade. É jogar contra o país. E quem joga contra o país quer ajudar a afundar o país”, directly challenging the market’s assessment.

Minister Costa echoed these sentiments, highlighting the positive economic growth as evidence against the pessimistic market outlook. He emphasized the role of increased credit in driving economic activity. President Lula also commented on the matter, pointing out that the 90% negative assessment was an improvement from the 100% negative assessment during the elections.

The ministers’ criticisms suggest a significant disagreement between the government’s perspective and the views prevailing in the financial market. The sharp contrast underscores the ongoing tension between the government’s policies and the expectations of financial players.