Brazilian Lower House Passes Basic Economic Freedom Measure

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The Chamber’s Plenary Session passed, on August 13th, a substitute text to the Provisional Measure (PM) of Economic Freedom submitted by its rapporteur, Deputy Jerônimo Georgen (PP-RS).

The basic text was approved by 345 votes in favor, 76 against and one abstention. After the approval, Chamber President Rodrigo Maia (DEM-RJ), closed the session and called the deputies to vote on proposed riders on the afternoon of Wednesday, August 14th.

PM 881/19, or PM of Economic Freedom, provides guarantees for the economic activity of the free market, imposes restrictions on the regulatory power of the state, creates rights of economic freedom and governs the operation of the federal tax authorities.

The rapporteur’s final text withdrew several topics not included in the original PM, such as fees for pharmacy councils and the exemption of fines for noncompliance with truck haulage freight rates.

However, Georgen retained the end of work restrictions on Sundays, limited to three Sundays work per month, and holidays, dispensing with payment of double time worked on these days if the day is offset by rest on a weekday.

The proposal of a period of one mandatory Sunday rest day per month was accepted by the rapporteur during discussions in Tuesday’s evening session.

There was an agreement with the opposition not to obstruct the voting on the proposed amendments on Wednesday, as was the case yesterday evening. In return, there will be a roll-call vote on all proposed riders.

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