To Boost Approval Ratings, Temer Considers Nationwide Broadcast

12/20/2016 - 12h00

In order to try and boost his approval ratings, president Michel Temer is considering the possibility of broadcasting a statement over the radio and on national TV at the end of the year.

The statement would be a summary of Temer's first 7 months in office, and a chance for the president to offer his own take of his administration, according to an aide.

In private, the president has complained about the press's coverage of certain proposals, such as the public spending cap and social security reform, which is considered one of the reasons his approval ratings are low.

The president would also use the statement, which is being elaborated by his administration, to highlight the importance of measures such as balancing the budget and allowing job growth to pick up in the medium term.

He would also insist on pointing out that he took over right after a lousy administration and that there was no way he could have solved the country's problems in so little time.

Members of the president's governing coalition also think that a nationwide broadcast could be a good idea, using it as an opportunity to fine-tune his message and promote social security reform.

However, some of the president's aides are against the idea of a nationwide broadcast.

According to them, it would only encourage people to protest against the federal government by resorting to pot-banging and horn-honking during the president's speech.

Translated by THOMAS MATHEWSON

Read the article in the original language