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New Rules for State-Owned Enterprises Aim to Reduce Dependence on the National Treasury. Ordinance Published by the Government Defines Sustainability Criteria and a Transition Period of Up to Five Years for Federal Companies
The federal government published on Monday (18), according to O Globo, an ordinance that establishes new rules for state-owned enterprises with the aim of reducing dependence on the National Treasury. The measure, drafted in collaboration by the ministries of Finance, Management, and Planning, creates parameters for public companies to present financial sustainability plans and begin operating with their own revenue.
Currently, Brazil has 44 federal state-owned enterprises, 17 of which depend on treasury resources to cover personnel expenses, maintenance, and investments. With the new rules for state-owned enterprises, the government intends to encourage the financial autonomy of these companies and alleviate pressure on the public budget.
Who Will Be Able to Adhere to the New Rules for State-Owned Enterprises?
The ordinance stipulates that only companies presenting a Financial Sustainability Index (IFS) equal to or greater than 0.4 for the last three years will be able to propose a transition plan. This means that at least 40% of operating expenses must be covered by their own revenue.
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Based on this criterion, state-owned enterprises that already demonstrate a greater capacity for revenue generation will be able to negotiate contracts of up to five years with the supervisory ministries. This contract may be extended for the same period, provided that economic and financial balance targets are met.
How Will the Sustainability Plan Under the New Rules for State-Owned Enterprises Work?
The new rules for state-owned enterprises require that each interested company present a detailed economic-financial diagnosis, accompanied by a planning of actions and cash flow projections for five years.
The plan must also include monitoring and control mechanisms, with clear goals, performance indicators, and criteria for periodic evaluation. Monitoring will be the responsibility of the supervisory ministries and the Federal State-Owned Enterprises Governance and Supervision Coordination System (Sisest).
Where Will the New Rules for State-Owned Enterprises Have the Greatest Impact?
According to the Ministry of Planning and Budget, the immediate impact will be on the 17 state-owned enterprises that currently rely on direct treasury injections. These are companies that consume budget resources to cover payroll and investments without generating sufficient revenue to sustain themselves.
With the new ordinance, these companies will have to reevaluate their management models and seek greater financial efficiency, presenting consistent results to leave the condition of dependence. The government states that the measure could represent significant savings for public finances.
Why Did the Government Create New Rules for State-Owned Enterprises?
The creation of new rules for state-owned enterprises addresses the need to reduce fiscal pressure in a scenario of tight public accounts. Additionally, it seeks to increase transparency and governance in public companies, establishing objective criteria for performance monitoring.
According to an official statement from the Ministry of Planning, the transition contracts will provide “clear, systematic, and transparent criteria, with ongoing monitoring of indicators and goals.” The idea is to prevent state-owned enterprises from becoming permanently dependent on treasury resources, encouraging more sustainable management practices.
Is This Change Worth It for the Country?
Experts believe that the new rules for state-owned enterprises can bring significant benefits by reducing the need for billion-dollar government injections into loss-making companies. On the other hand, the process will require management discipline and commitment to results, which may present a challenge for some of the companies involved.
For the government, the measure is a strategic step toward improving the quality of public accounts, reinforcing governance, and strengthening Brazil’s image with investors and international organizations.
The new rules for state-owned enterprises represent an attempt by the government to rebalance public finances and increase the efficiency of federal companies. By requiring sustainability plans, transition contracts, and verifiable targets, the ordinance can transform the way these companies interact with the National Treasury.
And you, do you believe that the new rules for state-owned enterprises will really reduce the government’s financial dependence or will they just be another bureaucratic adjustment with no practical impact? Leave your opinion in the comments — your perspective is essential for this debate.
Acredito que seja uma medida boa , porém os diretores e presidentes não devem ser indicado por políticos, sem qualificação e muitas vezes só para ganhar bons salários e sem compromisso com a empresa e com o futuro da empresa. Deve ser um funcionário de carreira da própria Estatal.