Lewandowski downplays IOF crisis: 'The Judiciary will decide who is right'
The Minister of Justice says that tension between the government and Congress is normal in a democracy and could be resolved through conciliation in the Supreme Court.
247 - During his participation in the Lisbon Legal Forum this Wednesday (2), the Minister of Justice, Ricardo Lewandowski, downplayed the tension between the federal government and the National Congress regarding the increase in the Tax on Financial Operations (IOF). In a conversation with journalists, the minister classified the impasse as a “normal” situation in democratic regimes and indicated that the Judiciary will be responsible for resolving the conflict.
"In neighborly relations, in commercial relations, things aren't always smooth sailing. There are turbulent times, there are times of agreement, and that's perfectly normal in a democracy," the minister stated, according to the source. Infomoney"It's a good thing that this issue will be discussed and resolved by the Judiciary, and not by any other means. The law will decide who is right," he emphasized.
The controversy was brought to the Supreme Federal Court (STF) through a lawsuit filed by the Attorney General's Office (AGU), aiming to ensure the validity of the presidential decree that increased the IOF tax rates. The measure faces resistance from parliamentarians who question the Executive's authority to alter the tax collection without legislative approval.
Lewandowski emphasized that the central point of the dispute is of a legal and constitutional nature, especially regarding who holds the prerogative to modify taxes: the National Congress or the Executive branch. "The Brazilian Supreme Court will decide this," he stressed.
Despite the issue being taken to court, the minister also hinted at the possibility of a negotiated solution between the branches of government. "There may be a conciliation, because our Constitution and procedural law foresee conciliation when there are disputes of great difficulty. I don't see any problem in that regard; there is no confrontation," he stated.
The issue was also the subject of lawsuits filed by political parties. According to Lewandowski, in addition to the Attorney General's Office, both PSOL and PL appealed to the Supreme Court to address the legality of the decree.
The Justice Minister's statements add to the peace-building efforts expressed by other authorities participating in the event in Lisbon, such as Supreme Court Justice Gilmar Mendes and former President Michel Temer.
