Presidential Candidate Romeu Zema Outlines Economic and Social Policies in Globo Interview

Presidential candidate Romeu Zema of the Novo party stated during an interview with TV Globo on Monday that any real increase in the minimum wage above inflation would depend on the economy performing well and public accounts remaining balanced. Zema guaranteed that there would be no loss in purchasing power and that inflation would be fully covered. He also indicated that he would not change the minimum retirement age for now, suggesting instead that changes would occur as life expectancy increases or if more revenue is generated through increased formal employment. This position on retirement age is noted by some as a departure from his official government plan, which proposes an automatic adjustment mechanism based on life expectancy.

On economic matters, Zema advocated for reducing the Selic interest rate to 6 percent, claiming this could save the government 800 billion reais per year. Regarding public security, he stated that Brazil could adapt certain measures from Nayib Bukele's administration in El Salvador, though he did not agree with all of Bukele's methods. Zema also expressed opposition to the mandatory nature of vaccinations, arguing that families should not be persecuted for non compliance, although he encouraged people to get vaccinated.

Addressing the events of January 8, Zema opposed the convictions of those involved, suggesting he would grant amnesty or a new trial in a non political court. He argued that those who did not carry out the crime should not be punished. When questioned about the public debt in Minas Gerais during his tenure as governor, Zema asserted that the debt now represents significantly less of the state economy than when he took office.