Truck Drivers Criticize Bolsonaro Government’s Proposal in Response to Rising Fuel Prices

For Truck Drivers, Government Solutions to Curb Rising Fuel Prices Are Inefficient, Given That Bolsonaro Aims for Reelection

On the evening of this Monday (the 6th), the Bolsonaro government announced a proposal for compensating states and municipalities, in order to nullify the ICMS rate on diesel and cooking gas until December 31 of this year. In addition, the proposal also includes the exemption of federal taxes on gasoline and ethanol, which would also be eliminated, and would be valid until the end of this year.

However, the government was unable to persuade truck drivers that the measures proposed to reduce fuel prices will actually solve the problem. After the announcement made by Bolsonaro on the 6th, the Brazilian Association of Automotive Vehicle Drivers (Abrava) referred to the government proposal as a “make-believe solution” used in an attempt to resolve a highly complex dilemma.

According to the association’s analysis, Bolsonaro is looking for a quick fix to deal with rising prices, when, in fact, he should be seeking a structural solution to the ongoing fuel issue. For Abrava, the government’s conduct is associated with the upcoming election year and the fear that the turbulent scenario will compromise the president’s reelection campaign.

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From this perspective, the institution, which is led by Wallace Landim – known as Chorão Caminhoneiro – stated that removing the ICMS on fuels, which does not correspond to Union revenue, would be equivalent to taking your neighbor’s money to pay a bill for your own house.

Tax Exemption Would Not Have Sufficient Impact on Fuel Prices, Says Abrava

According to the association, the exemption of Pis/Cofins and Cide proposed by the government would not have the necessary impact, as these taxes represent only 6% of the price of diesel. Thus, fuel prices will continue to rise and the problem is not being adequately addressed, with this move merely serving as a band-aid to once again increase diesel prices. Abrava concluded by stating that, if prices are not increased, diesel will be in short supply at gas stations.

The organization blames the pricing policy practiced by Petrobras, which follows the parity of international market values, for the difficult situation ahead. For truck drivers, the lack of planning and irresponsibility have led Brazil to its current chaos, which the institution had warned about long ago.

Truck Drivers’ Association Criticizes Bolsonaro and Considers a New Sector Strike in the Country

The truck drivers’ association, finally, made a direct criticism of the president and again mentioned a possible strike in the country. It is worth noting that the group was previously largely supportive of the Bolsonaro government.

According to the ideas expressed by Abrava, President Bolsonaro is concerned about his reelection while truck drivers and the Brazilian people are worried about putting food on the table for their families. Therefore, the corporation has no hope for improvement and threatens a new strike.

It becomes evident, therefore, the level of frustration of the category with the government. Wallace Landim, one of the leaders of the sector and a participant in the truck drivers’ strike of 2018, has been in multiple meetings at the Palácio do Planalto alongside then Minister of Infrastructure, Tarcísio de Freitas, who is currently a candidate for the government of São Paulo. However, now, Landim’s distance from the government is clear, as he has made the severe criticisms previously mentioned.