Michel Temer defends unity for the future of Brazil

Speaking during a ceremony to formalise cabinet changes on Friday (3 January) morning, President Michel Temer defended unity among the various sectors of society to face the country's economic crisis. Officials taking office included the Ministers of Justice & Public Security and Human rights, the Secretary of Government and the General Secretary of the Presidency (all considered Minister-level positions).

Temer said that the government's goal is to put the country back on track. For that end, it takes time to implement the necessary reforms. In the president's view, the next leaders will find a "country that has been adjusted, set on course and particularly pacified”. “This is important because it is from the unity of all that the government's strength - and society's strength - are born," he said.

Reinforcing one of the hallmarks of his government, the President recalled that ongoing dialogue with the National Congress has helped approve proposals such as the public spending cap and initiate discussion for labour and pension reforms.

“We also expect a pace consistent with what Brazil needs. We will go slowly, but with haste. This is the government's rule. And [we will go] slowly, but with haste, by focusing on dialogue," he said.

Sworn in

The changes signed today by the President establish that the Ministry of Justice is now called Ministry of Justice and Public Security, a portfolio that will be held by Alexandre de Moraes. Temer explained that the change in the attributions of the ministry is due to the events that occurred in Brazilian prisons in January. “The issue of our prisons, it has crossed land borders, but especially the legal borders of the federal states", he said.

Luislinda Valois, previously the Secretary of Policies to Promote Racial Equality (Seppir), will be the head of the new Ministry of Human Rights. The intention of the new portfolio, according to Temer, is to take care of issues related "to citizenship, such as racial equality, the issue of persons with disabilities, the issue of children and youth, of the elderly”.

Congressman Antonio Imbassahy took office as Secretary of Government. Interaction and dialogue with the National Congress will be the main tasks of the new minister.

To strengthen the structure of the Presidential Palace, Moreira Franco has been appointed General Secretary of the Presidency. He will be responsible for the Communication and Management departments of the president's office, the Ceremonial area of the presidency and the Investment Partnership Programme (IPP).