By Richard Mann, Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Experienced politicians say that Congressional empowerment is not retaliation to the government of President Jair Bolsonaro, but a means to seek balance with other powers. They claim that the budget allowance and provisional measures confer an imperial power on the President.
“Congress, in this case, does not adopt a ‘give and take’ position, it effectively strives to rebuild a prerogative that promotes the balance between the powers,” remarks former deputy Miro Teixeira (Rede-RJ), who served 11 terms.
He defends the end of the presidential coalition as another measure to improve the image of Congress. “In Brazil, this has become a co-option. If the President gets into this, he starts off as captain and ends up as hostage”.
Senator Randolfe Rodrigues (Rede-AP), author of the proposed Amendment to the Constitution (PEC) to limit to five the still limitless issue of provisional measures also sees an opportunity for Congress to abandon the practice “of exchanging support for amendments and positions and to place itself as the main public policy-maker.”
“The more Parliament demonstrates that it has the strength, prestige and competence to carry them out, the better. This moment is conducive to this”, said Senate Vice President Antonio Anastasia (PSDB-MG), co-author of the bill to limit Provisional Measures. Bolsonaro has already edited nine.
“Congress is more empowered than it may seem. It decides on all guidelines, not only in relation to the government but also to the Judiciary. And such power derived by virtue of the President choosing to try to build an allied-base with the benches”, stated PSL leader in the House, Delegate Waldir (PSL-GO).
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