Government denies Wellington Dias' statement about a possible increase in Bolsa Família benefits.
The government's statement comes after declarations by the Minister of Social Development, Assistance, Family and Fight against Hunger (MDS), Wellington Dias.
247 - The Civil House of the Presidency of the Republic denied, this Friday (7), that there is any study underway for the readjustment of the Bolsa Família value. The government's statement came after declarations by the Minister of Development and Social Assistance, Family and Fight against Hunger (MDS), Wellington Dias, about the possibility of increasing the benefit due to food inflation.
"The Civil House of the Presidency of the Republic informs that there is no study within the government regarding an increase in the value of the Bolsa Família benefit. This topic is not on the government's agenda and will not be discussed," says the official statement.
Wellington Dias' statements, given in an interview with DW Brazil, indicated that the rise in food prices, which exceeded 8% in 2024, could make an adjustment to the social program necessary. According to the minister, this issue was "on the table" and would be analyzed by March, with a report being presented to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT).
In the interview, Dias highlighted that food inflation directly impacts the most vulnerable population and that the rise in food costs had created a "mismatch in government planning." He also stated that Bolsa Família remains the main tool for combating poverty and food insecurity in Brazil and that measures to reduce dependence on the program are being studied, including job creation and promoting entrepreneurship among the poorest.
