The time has come for Congress to show which side it's on.

The bill submitted by President Lula to the National Congress to expand income tax exemption for those earning up to R$ 5 represents an essential step forward for tax justice in Brazil. It is a commitment made to a huge segment of our population that has always suffered from a disproportionate tax burden while the very wealthy remain protected. Now that the proposal has reached the hands of congressmen, we must question which side they are on.

The Brazilian Congress is a true political dystopia, dominated by white men, landowners, and millionaire businessmen, who should represent a predominantly poor and working-class population. But how can they represent the interests of those who survive in realities completely opposite to their own? That's where the danger lies! This is one of those moments when the "representatives elected by popular vote" will need to decide whether they will defend the interests of the people who elected them or whether they will transform this essential agenda into just another bargaining chip. 

With the government's proposal, the expansion of the exemption will directly benefit more than 10 million Brazilians, easing the tax burden on those who earn the least. To make this change viable without compromising public finances, the project foresees that those who earn more than R$ 600 per year — which corresponds to only 0,13% of the population — will start paying a minimum tax on income that is currently exempt. Have you done the math? These are people who earn more than R$ 50 per month. 

This is the logic of tax justice. Those who earn more can and should contribute more so that Brazil develops with less inequality. But Congress needs to look at this proposal with empathy, thinking about the thousands of families that will benefit, and not as an excellent opportunity to bargain for parliamentary amendments or political favors. This is not the time for politicking, but rather an opportunity to promote a historical and necessary reparation.

President Lula himself was emphatic in stating that Congress has the power to improve the bill, but never to worsen it. This means there is no room for setbacks or measures that reduce the positive impact of this proposal on the working class. Our country needs to move forward, and this progress requires the courage to confront the interests of those who have always evaded their tax responsibilities.

Now, it is up to the population to exercise its fundamental role of closely monitoring every move of parliamentarians and holding them accountable for their vote. After all, the 2026 elections are fast approaching, and we will not forget those who betray the interests of the Brazilian people.