Debt Grew Among The Poorest while Pandemic and Emergency Aid Was Delayed

In April, 22.3% of Brazilians with an income of up to R $ 2.1 thousand reported having debts, according to FGV Ibre

With the impact of the pandemic and the delay in the release of emergency aid, the indebtedness of the poorest Brazilians' bands rose again. In April, 22.3% of Brazilians with a family income of up to R $ 2.1 thousand had debts, a record level, according to a survey by FGV Ibre (Brazilian Institute of Economics of the Getulio Vargas Foundation).

This percentage had only been verified in June 2016. At the time, the country plunged into an economic crisis and suffered from the political turmoil generated by the impeachment of ex-president Dilma Rousseff (PT).

The FGV Ibre historical series has been gathering data since May 2009. In March 2021, the percentage was 22.1%. In April 2020, in the initial phase of the pandemic, it was 21.6%.

At the beginning of the year, further advances in coronavirus led to restrictive measures in different regions. As a result, the activity of companies, especially commerce and services, was paralyzed, again restricting the turnover of businessmen and the income of workers.

The financial situation was aggravated by the interruption of programs to stimulate the economy, including emergency aid.

Translated by Kiratiana Freelon

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