With Final Vote Date Approaching, Rousseff Announces 'Kindness' Package and Challenges Temer

05/02/2016 - 10h14

Ten days before her potential removal from the presidency, Dilma Rousseff announced "a package of kindness" which includes an increase to the Bolsa Familia social welfare programme and a correction on the Income Tax table.

The Senate must decide, in a vote scheduled for the 11th, if the Workers' Party member will be removed from office for up to 180 days, until a decision is reached regarding her definitive ousting.

Rousseff gave a speech during a Unified Workers' Central (CUT, Brazil's main national labour union federation) Labor Day demonstration on Sunday (1) in São Paulo, and announced the adjustment to the Bolsa Familia welfare programme with an average increase of 9%.

According the president, the proposal will not compromise the "fiscal scenario", contrary to the beliefs of the opposition. Despite the rhetoric, her administration's economic area opposed the adjustment.

The PT member also announce a 5% correction to the Income Tax table, which should be made by way of a bill to be sent to Congress within the next few days.

To compensate for the effects that the adjustment will have over federal revenues, the Planalto should propose, in tandem, a tax increase on luxury goods, such as jets and boats, among others.

Ex-president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva cancelled his appearance at the last minute. He called Rousseff and told her that he received doctor's orders advising against his participation at the event.

Hoarsely, he told his successor he was "too tired" and would rather save his voice for anti-impeachment events in the coming days.

Translated by SUGHEY RAMIREZ

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	Nelson Almeida/AFP
	President Dilma Rousseff waves at the crowd during a demonstration to mark International Workers' Day, in Sao Paulo