'Social Security is in the ICU,' says congressman from Bahia.

Bahia 247 - State Representative Targino Machado (PPS) is 'outraged' by the changes to Social Security proposed by Michel Temer's government, which, according to the Bahia native, "will harm the worker."

"It's well known that Social Security needs urgent reform; it's bankrupt. We need to talk seriously about this, because it's not fair to eliminate the acquired rights of those who only have that to satisfy their basic needs. Why not first end the privileges of those who, although they don't need them, have so many benefits?" asks Targino.

He says that "changing the retirement age for workers is too bitter a remedy."

"I recognize that Social Security needs a bitter remedy. It's in the ICU. But we can't equate the unequal. It's one thing to put on the robe, the gown, and go to work in the courts. It's one thing to put on the suit and tie and go to work in the Assembly or the Chamber. Air-conditioned offices, cars with chauffeurs, and various advisors to serve. It's quite another thing to endure the scorching sun of the backlands, clearing pasture, pulling up stumps, breaking rocks. Deputies and senators who will vote on the Social Security Reform, look at your hands, see how clean and smooth they are, and compare them to the hands of the worker, full of calluses. But they are honest, they didn't steal, they weren't involved in corruption, and they didn't bankrupt Social Security," the deputy exclaims.