Sakamoto: salary increase for judges is a contradiction.
"Any measure aimed at self-preservation by the most privileged classes amidst the serious social and economic situation the country is experiencing, such as the 16,38% salary increase for Supreme Court justices, is absurd," writes journalist Leonardo Sakamoto.
247 "Any measure aimed at self-preservation by the most privileged classes amidst the serious social and economic situation the country is experiencing, such as the 16,38% salary increase for Supreme Court justices, is absurd," writes journalist Leonardo Sakamoto.
"Most ministers approved the inclusion of an increase in their paychecks from R$ 33.763,00 to R$ 39.293,38 per month in their budget proposal starting in 2019. Considering that the minimum wage foreseen in the 2019 budget law, approved by the National Congress, is R$ 998,00, compared to R$ 954,00 today, the ministers' remuneration could increase from 35,39 to 39,37 minimum wages per month," it adds.
According to the journalist, "a readjustment like this in the midst of a crisis does not contribute to reducing inequality. On the contrary, it makes it harder for people to see themselves and others as equals and deserving of the same consideration."
"It leads to the perception that public power exists to serve the wealthy and control the poor. That is, to use the police and politics to protect the privileges of the first group, using violence against the second if necessary. Over time, inequality leads to distrust in institutions. Which helps explain the moment we are living in today," he adds. "As I've already said here, if you look closely, you'll see that it says 'housing allowance' on that white stripe that cuts through the blue circle of the national flag. At least that's what those who make the laws, those who enforce them, and those who judge their compliance say."
Read the full text at Sakamoto's Blog