Brazil's Census Is in Stone Age, Says Paulo Guedes

Minister of Economy questions the institute's methodology after the disclosure of a 14.6% unemployment rate in the country

Rio de Janeiro

When data showed an unemployment rate of 14.6% in the quarter ended in May, Minister Paulo Guedes (Economy) questioned the methodology of the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). Its data disputes Guedes' opinion that Brazil has been creating jobs quickly.

"We will have to review, speed up IBGE procedures, because IBGE is still in the stone age."

Guedes brought up the General Register of Employed and Unemployed), which shows the generation of 309 thousand jobs in June, although the indicator only measures formal jobs, while the IBGE's Pnad includes the informal sector.

BRASILIA, DF, BRASIL, 27-07-2021: Paulo Guedes (Foto: Pedro Ladeira/Folhapress, PODER) - Folhapress

The institute declined to talk about the criticism, which resonated among its former presidents.

"The IBGE is internationally recognized, audited, with undisputed works. This research [Pnad] is a reference," said Roberto Olinto, who considered the statement frivolous. Simon Schwartzman pointed out the avoidance: "Guedes is responsible for the IBGE and he talks as if he wasn't. In addition to talking nonsense, the institution is only like that because he doesn't know how to take care of it."

Translated by Kiratiana Freelon

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