Brazil Enters State of Emergency Due to Coronavirus
Decree allows government to spend outside of planned budget
On Wednesday (18), Brazil's Congress approved a decree that recognizes the state of emergency in Brazil due to the coronavirus crisis.
After the Chamber, the Senate must approve a text that also recognizes the state of emergency. Because it is a legislative decree, the project does not need the approval of President Jair Bolsonaro (without a party), according to the Mayor, Rodrigo Maia (DEM-RJ).
The draft legislative decree was prepared in response to the message sent by President Jair Bolsonaro on Tuesday night (17).
According to the text, reported by Congressman Orlando Silva (PCdoB-SP), the Chamber approves a draft decree that recognizes the state of emergency due to coronavirus, which frees the government from its initial budget.
The project also creates a mixed commission, made up of six deputies and six senators, with the same number of alternates. The group will aim to monitor the fiscal situation and the budgetary and financial execution of the measures adopted to contain the spread of the coronavirus.
Translated by Kiratiana Freelon