Congressman José Guimarães is betting on the approval of Provisional Measure 664 in the Federal Chamber.

The Brazilian Chamber of Deputies is scheduled to vote today on Provisional Measure 664, which deals with social security benefits. The government leader, Federal Deputy José Guimarães, is confident of its approval, as was the case with the vote on Provisional Measure 665 last week. "Last week we had very good consensus among the base in the votes on 665 (provisional measure). We won in all the votes. Our expectations are the best possible; after all, it's not the government that needs the approval, but the country."

The leader stated that the resumption of economic growth, the maintenance of social programs, and Brazil's confidence in the foreign market depend on the approval of these measures and the support of the National Congress. "Therefore, we are convinced that the allied parties will support the approval of the Provisional Measure with their votes." According to him, the allied base engaged in extensive dialogue regarding the proposals submitted by the government. "There were dozens of meetings between ministers and parliamentarians, labor unions, and social movements. More than 80% of the demands of parliamentarians, unions, and movements were met by the two conversion bills; therefore, they were improved through broad and frank dialogue here in the Chamber. We need to preserve the social gains of the last 12 years, so this small sacrifice is worthwhile in the current conjuncture we are experiencing."

Regarding the suggested modifications to the original text, Representative José Guimarães stated that the contribution requirement for survivor's pensions was reduced from two years to 18 months, while the requirement of two years of marriage or stable union was maintained. He believes this requirement inhibits the possibility of fraud. "Arranged, opportunistic marriages will no longer be the norm, as has been happening. Or is it fair that a citizen on their deathbed marries someone so that this person can continue receiving their pension forever? Who pays the bill? Once again, society. That's why we need to moralize this situation as well. The Provisional Measure also maintained the 100% value for survivor's pensions."

Regarding the moralization of benefits, José Guimarães added that MP 664 will also combat unemployment insurance fraud. "There are people who work for six months, quit their jobs to get unemployment benefits, and continue working without a formal employment contract. Who pays the price? Society! There are municipalities in the North of the country, for example, that have more fishermen than city residents. That's why the government had to implement measures to curb these wrongdoings. But no rights were taken away, as the PSDB [Brazilian Social Democracy Party] claims."