Flávio Bolsonaro promises real increases in the minimum wage

Liberal Party candidate for president of Brazil Flávio Bolsonaro has vowed to keep minimum wage increases above inflation and not reinstate the six-day workweek with one day off, known as the 6x1 scale. The statements were made yesterday evening, local time, during an interview in the Globo television studios in Rio de Janeiro. Bolsonaro will challenge outgoing president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in the second round, scheduled for October 25.

The senator also assured that he will maintain the minimum levels of public spending envisaged by the Constitution for health and education and that he will not separate increases in pensions from those in the minimum wage. Flávio justified his recent support for the abolition of the 6x1 scale by saying that he had listened to the workers during his trips to the country and that he had followed the will of the majority. He had previously criticized the proposal, arguing it could increase costs for businesses and reduce employment.

The candidate also accused Lula (left-wing Workers' Party) of spreading unfounded fears about his 200 billion reais fiscal adjustment plan, equivalent to around 35 billion euros.