From omission to social upheaval

The federal government has already issued several provisional measures (MPs) that have immensely harmed men and women in both rural and urban areas. Moreover, many of these measures were implemented without the necessary consideration and adherence to relevant and urgent constitutional obligations.

The effects were disastrous. Social, labor, and pension rights—won over decades—were summarily dismantled. They promised the creation of millions of jobs. Nothing happened. Formal unemployment is now around 12,5 million. Informal employment exceeds 45 million. In other words, they never cared about the well-being of our people.   

In this moment of crisis and high national tension, the government could use common sense and submit proposals, through provisional measures, aimed at safeguarding the health, jobs, and income of the population. The country needs urgent, swift, and energetic action. We are dealing with more than 100 million lives.

A Provisional Measure (MP) is an instrument exclusive to the Executive Branch. In the words of the jurist José Afonso da Silva: "The reason why the power of initiative is attributed to the Head of the Executive Branch stems from the fact that it is his mission to implement a specific policy in favor of the country's needs."

It is up to the National Congress, within a period of 60 days, extendable for an equal period, to debate, analyze, improve or even reject the Provisional Measures, without prejudice to the validity of the rule until final consideration by the Legislature or after the maximum period of 120 days has elapsed.

Of course there are dissenting opinions. And that must be respected. I myself have made many criticisms of this process. There were recent moments when we received a flood of them, without any criteria. We cannot err through omission. We need to act consciously at this moment and understand that the scenario is one of exceptional circumstances.

I believe that these Provisional Measures can and should be discussed and agreed upon beforehand, quickly, among the branches of government, party leaders, businesspeople, workers, retirees, the Brazilian Bar Association (OAB), the Ecumenical Movement, and others. There is no mistake in that. On the contrary, we would be taking the first step towards a great national agreement, harmonizing the interests and needs of the entire country for the good of the entire population.

Tragedy doesn't wait for the sun to rise. That's why our responsibility is enormous. We cannot allow social upheaval in our country. But, given everything that is happening, that wouldn't be impossible. And we know where this river could lead: to the weakening of democracy and institutions.

We must be vigilant and alert, with our eyes wide open. Ulysses Guimarães had strong and reflective words that called the people to fight. They were constant and navigated with dignity. "The nation wants to change, the nation must change, the nation will change." It is necessary to save Brazil. Present and future generations will hold us accountable. Believe me.