Reuters. November 11, 2019
CARACAS (Reuters) - Venezuela’s foreign ministry temporarily lost access to its account with social media service Twitter Inc over the weekend, a spokeswoman said on Monday.
A notice on the ministry’s profile on the platform visible on Monday morning read: “Caution: This account is temporarily restricted” and cited “unusual activity” from the account. The notice had been removed by Monday afternoon.
The spokeswoman said the suspension occurred between late Saturday night and Sunday morning, and that the ministry had alerted Twitter to its loss of access and requested an explanation.
A Twitter spokeswoman said the suspension was reversed and that a notice was sent to the account via email. The spokeswoman added that the account was “accidentally caught in a spam filter” which occasionally happens when an account tweets in sudden high volume.
Social media companies, including Twitter, are under pressure to stem illicit online political influence campaigns.
In September, the company blocked the accounts of Cuban Communist Party Leader Raul Castro, a major backer of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s socialist government. Asked to comment on that suspension, Twitter said its platform manipulation policies prohibit users artificially amplifying or disrupting conversations by using multiple accounts.
Before the suspension, Venezuela’s foreign ministry had tweeted several messages of support for leftist former Bolivian President Evo Morales, who was fighting for political survival due to unrest over a disputed Oct. 20 re-election.
The foreign ministry’s account has not sent any tweet since early Sunday morning. That was before an eventful day in Bolivia, which began with Morales accepting a call for new elections and ended with him resigning under pressure from the military. Other foreign ministries from across Latin America weighed in on the events on Twitter.
Wednesday, November 13, 2019
Opposition rejects plan for new Chilean Constitution
EVA VERGARA. AP. November 11, 2019
SANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — A plan by President Sebastián Piñera to draft a new constitution for Chile was criticized Monday by the opposition and even his own political ranks.
The proposal unveiled Sunday by Interior Minister Gonzalo Blumel is one of a series of measures aimed at quelling weeks of protests by Chileans over economic inequality and other grievances.
It calls for a new charter to be drafted by a “constituent congress” and then put to a plebiscite, Blumel said.
But the opposition said the proposed process was inadequate, partly because it would rely on current legislators who are viewed with suspicion by protesters. They also said the plebiscite should occur at the beginning of the process, so people’s views could be considered.
“The citizenry is demanding something different,” opposition Sen. Felipe Harboe said. He said people want a “constituent assembly” or some other form of direct participation in writing any constitution.
“Parliamentarians don’t have credibility today,” said Sen. Manuel José Ossandón, who is part of Piñera’s governing coalition. “The parliament doesn’t have credibility to do something without the more active participation of the community.”
Karla Rubilar, the government spokeswoman, on Monday rejected the call for a constituent assembly, which would involve the election of a group of citizens to draft the new constitution.
Students in Chile began protesting nearly a month ago over a subway fare hike. But demonstrations quickly blew up into a huge protest movement demanding improvements in basic services and benefits, including pensions, health and education. Chile is one of Latin America’s richest, but most socially unequal countries.
While most protests have been peaceful, at least 20 people have died in clashes between protesters and police.
A key demand of demonstrators has been to throw out the constitution that was drafted in 1980 during the dictatorship of Gen. Augusto Pinochet. The constitution is the legal basis for the market-driven system that protesters say favors Chile’s affluent minority.
The public health care system is bogged down with months-long waiting times, and those seeking higher education are often saddled with crushing student debt.
Piñera has responded with a series of proposals over the weeks, including an increase in the basic monthly pension of $146, a cut to the salaries of legislators, and a tax hike for people who earn more than $11,000 a month.
But anger in the streets still boils. Protests continued Monday in the capital of Santiago, ahead of a national strike called for Tuesday.
“We’ve seen that, in general, the government arrives late and with a weak response to societal demands,” said Claudia Heiss, a professor at the Institute of Public Affairs at the University of Chile, who considers this an opportunity for the government to react in a more convincing way.
Marcelo Mella, an analyst at the University of Santiago, said it is doubtful sectors of the opposition will accept the government’s plan as a legitimate procedure.
Given the low levels of approval for Congress and the government, “legitimacy (of the process) is a very scarce commodity within the political class,” Mella said.
SANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — A plan by President Sebastián Piñera to draft a new constitution for Chile was criticized Monday by the opposition and even his own political ranks.
The proposal unveiled Sunday by Interior Minister Gonzalo Blumel is one of a series of measures aimed at quelling weeks of protests by Chileans over economic inequality and other grievances.
It calls for a new charter to be drafted by a “constituent congress” and then put to a plebiscite, Blumel said.
But the opposition said the proposed process was inadequate, partly because it would rely on current legislators who are viewed with suspicion by protesters. They also said the plebiscite should occur at the beginning of the process, so people’s views could be considered.
“The citizenry is demanding something different,” opposition Sen. Felipe Harboe said. He said people want a “constituent assembly” or some other form of direct participation in writing any constitution.
“Parliamentarians don’t have credibility today,” said Sen. Manuel José Ossandón, who is part of Piñera’s governing coalition. “The parliament doesn’t have credibility to do something without the more active participation of the community.”
Karla Rubilar, the government spokeswoman, on Monday rejected the call for a constituent assembly, which would involve the election of a group of citizens to draft the new constitution.
Students in Chile began protesting nearly a month ago over a subway fare hike. But demonstrations quickly blew up into a huge protest movement demanding improvements in basic services and benefits, including pensions, health and education. Chile is one of Latin America’s richest, but most socially unequal countries.
While most protests have been peaceful, at least 20 people have died in clashes between protesters and police.
A key demand of demonstrators has been to throw out the constitution that was drafted in 1980 during the dictatorship of Gen. Augusto Pinochet. The constitution is the legal basis for the market-driven system that protesters say favors Chile’s affluent minority.
The public health care system is bogged down with months-long waiting times, and those seeking higher education are often saddled with crushing student debt.
Piñera has responded with a series of proposals over the weeks, including an increase in the basic monthly pension of $146, a cut to the salaries of legislators, and a tax hike for people who earn more than $11,000 a month.
But anger in the streets still boils. Protests continued Monday in the capital of Santiago, ahead of a national strike called for Tuesday.
“We’ve seen that, in general, the government arrives late and with a weak response to societal demands,” said Claudia Heiss, a professor at the Institute of Public Affairs at the University of Chile, who considers this an opportunity for the government to react in a more convincing way.
Marcelo Mella, an analyst at the University of Santiago, said it is doubtful sectors of the opposition will accept the government’s plan as a legitimate procedure.
Given the low levels of approval for Congress and the government, “legitimacy (of the process) is a very scarce commodity within the political class,” Mella said.
Indigenous leader calls for EU action against firms over Brazil deforestation
Reuters. November 11, 2019
PARIS (Reuters) - The European Union should consider sanctions for companies that source materials from protected Brazilian forest reservations and native lands, an indigenous community representative said.
Sonia Guajajara, the head of APIB, which represents many of Brazil’s 900,000 native people, called on Monday for EU lawmakers to exert pressure on Brazil’s government to better protect the rights of indigenous communities and for scrutiny of companies profiting from deforestation in the Amazon.
“We are calling on the European community to support us so that each of them in their country can pressure companies, pressure parliamentarians, so they can adopts laws that guarantee the traceability of products and their production chain,” she told Reuters in an interview.
“Also, it must enable them to sanction companies that buy and get their supplies from conflict zones,” she added.
Brazilian indigenous leaders including Sonia are due to meet French lawmakers this week as part of a campaign through 12 European countries following clashes in the Amazon.
Illegal loggers shot dead a young member of the protected Guajajara tribe in Brazil this month, increasing worldwide concerns over the government’s environmental record and its dealings with indigenous communities.
Right-wing President Jair Bolsonaro, who took office earlier this year, has vowed to open up protected lands to economic development, leading campaigners to warn of a looming crisis in the face of increased invasions by armed loggers.
“This is a very serious moment for Brazil,” Sonia said.
Indigenous leaders also visited Brussels, and have been meeting with company representatives and lawmakers.
Paulo Paulino Guajajara, who was part of an indigenous group that was formed to protect the forest, was hunting inside a reservation in Maranhao when loggers opened fire and shot him.
Another Guajajara, Laercio, was wounded but escaped.
Since the killing, the Brazilian state of Maranhao has set up a police task force to protect the tribe from illegal loggers, and Federal Justice Minister Sergio Moro vowed a thorough investigation.
President Emmanuel Macron clashed with Bolsonaro in August, when fires swept the Amazon region, prompting the French leader to call for better management of the rainforest to end an ‘ecocide’. Bolsonaro called the comments offensive and accused Macron of questioning Brazil’s sovereignty.
PARIS (Reuters) - The European Union should consider sanctions for companies that source materials from protected Brazilian forest reservations and native lands, an indigenous community representative said.
Sonia Guajajara, the head of APIB, which represents many of Brazil’s 900,000 native people, called on Monday for EU lawmakers to exert pressure on Brazil’s government to better protect the rights of indigenous communities and for scrutiny of companies profiting from deforestation in the Amazon.
“We are calling on the European community to support us so that each of them in their country can pressure companies, pressure parliamentarians, so they can adopts laws that guarantee the traceability of products and their production chain,” she told Reuters in an interview.
“Also, it must enable them to sanction companies that buy and get their supplies from conflict zones,” she added.
Brazilian indigenous leaders including Sonia are due to meet French lawmakers this week as part of a campaign through 12 European countries following clashes in the Amazon.
Illegal loggers shot dead a young member of the protected Guajajara tribe in Brazil this month, increasing worldwide concerns over the government’s environmental record and its dealings with indigenous communities.
Right-wing President Jair Bolsonaro, who took office earlier this year, has vowed to open up protected lands to economic development, leading campaigners to warn of a looming crisis in the face of increased invasions by armed loggers.
“This is a very serious moment for Brazil,” Sonia said.
Indigenous leaders also visited Brussels, and have been meeting with company representatives and lawmakers.
Paulo Paulino Guajajara, who was part of an indigenous group that was formed to protect the forest, was hunting inside a reservation in Maranhao when loggers opened fire and shot him.
Another Guajajara, Laercio, was wounded but escaped.
Since the killing, the Brazilian state of Maranhao has set up a police task force to protect the tribe from illegal loggers, and Federal Justice Minister Sergio Moro vowed a thorough investigation.
President Emmanuel Macron clashed with Bolsonaro in August, when fires swept the Amazon region, prompting the French leader to call for better management of the rainforest to end an ‘ecocide’. Bolsonaro called the comments offensive and accused Macron of questioning Brazil’s sovereignty.
US-Aligned Brazil to Welcome Russia, China, India, South Africa
EFE. November 11, 2019
BRASILIA – Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is set to receive the leaders of Russia, China, India and South Africa later this week at a time when he is aligned with the United States – not traditionally the case at BRICS summits.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi are set to arrive in the Brazilian capital on Tuesday for two days of meetings with Brazil’s far right leader.
The main topics of discussion will be economic and commercial cooperation between the world’s five major emerging economies.
Some aspects of the global agenda will be hard to address but “will not be avoided,” according to Brazil.
Some of aspects relate to Latin America – notably Venezuela and Cuba, but now the Bolivian crisis has come into the mix.
On Venezuela, the only thing the BRICS countries agree on is no foreign military intervention.
Russia, China, India and South Africa recognize the government of Venezuela’s incumbent Nicolas Maduro, whom Brazil’s Bolsonaro describes as “a dictator” and whose “exit” he is pushing for through regional mechanisms, like the Lima Group, and in close cooperation with the US.
Brazil, which recognizes head of Venezuela’s National Assembly Juan Guaido as the country’s president, acknowledges there are “differences of opinion,” but has said these issues will be treated with “frank, respectful and cordial dialog.”
Bolsonaro’s increasingly clear alignment with US President Donald Trump’s government has been seen in the UN – now in relation to Cuba.
Like Russia, China, South Africa and India, Brazil had always backed a motion that Cuba has presented to the UN since 1992 that demands an end to the US blockade.
This year Brazil changed tact and failed to support the resolution, which was backed by 187 countries but rejected by the US and Israel.
Uncertainty brought about by the resignation of President Evo Morales in Bolivia has also been received differently by the five nations.
Brazil, Bolivia’s main gas customer, has been cautious. Bolsonaro has said the events that led to Morales’s resignation were the product of “fraud allegations” in the October 20 elections and he has steered clear of the word “coup.”
Russia’s Foreign Ministry, meanwhile, expressed “alarm” over Morales’s willingness “to seek constructive solutions through dialog” being swept aside by events resembling a coup.
India and South Africa have not said anything on the matter, while Beijing exercised its usual diplomacy.
“China hopes that all parties in Bolivia can resolve their discrepancies under the Constitution and the law to restore political and social stability as early as possible,” Chinese Foreign Ministry’s spokesman Geng Shuang said.
On Monday, the Kremlin said Putin intends to talk with Bolsonaro about the events in Bolivia, at least during a bilateral meeting scheduled for next Wednesday.
The trade war between the US and China could also lead to disagreements between Brazil and the other BRICS partners, which could put Bolsonaro at a crossroads between his biggest political ally and his main customer.
For now, Brazil has juggled the difficult balance with a good dose of pragmatism, speaking out in favor of multilateralism and free trade.
In mid 2020, Bolsonaro’s government will face another crossroads when it comes to an auction for 5G frequencies – the technology at the heart of the US-China dispute.
According to analysts, the thick political relationship woven between Bolsonaro and Trump could change if Brazil accepts Chinese firm Huawei, which for Washington represents a “threat” to security.
The White House’s tough stance on Huawei has been rejected by Russia and South Africa, while India has avoided the matter.
BRASILIA – Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is set to receive the leaders of Russia, China, India and South Africa later this week at a time when he is aligned with the United States – not traditionally the case at BRICS summits.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi are set to arrive in the Brazilian capital on Tuesday for two days of meetings with Brazil’s far right leader.
The main topics of discussion will be economic and commercial cooperation between the world’s five major emerging economies.
Some aspects of the global agenda will be hard to address but “will not be avoided,” according to Brazil.
Some of aspects relate to Latin America – notably Venezuela and Cuba, but now the Bolivian crisis has come into the mix.
On Venezuela, the only thing the BRICS countries agree on is no foreign military intervention.
Russia, China, India and South Africa recognize the government of Venezuela’s incumbent Nicolas Maduro, whom Brazil’s Bolsonaro describes as “a dictator” and whose “exit” he is pushing for through regional mechanisms, like the Lima Group, and in close cooperation with the US.
Brazil, which recognizes head of Venezuela’s National Assembly Juan Guaido as the country’s president, acknowledges there are “differences of opinion,” but has said these issues will be treated with “frank, respectful and cordial dialog.”
Bolsonaro’s increasingly clear alignment with US President Donald Trump’s government has been seen in the UN – now in relation to Cuba.
Like Russia, China, South Africa and India, Brazil had always backed a motion that Cuba has presented to the UN since 1992 that demands an end to the US blockade.
This year Brazil changed tact and failed to support the resolution, which was backed by 187 countries but rejected by the US and Israel.
Uncertainty brought about by the resignation of President Evo Morales in Bolivia has also been received differently by the five nations.
Brazil, Bolivia’s main gas customer, has been cautious. Bolsonaro has said the events that led to Morales’s resignation were the product of “fraud allegations” in the October 20 elections and he has steered clear of the word “coup.”
Russia’s Foreign Ministry, meanwhile, expressed “alarm” over Morales’s willingness “to seek constructive solutions through dialog” being swept aside by events resembling a coup.
India and South Africa have not said anything on the matter, while Beijing exercised its usual diplomacy.
“China hopes that all parties in Bolivia can resolve their discrepancies under the Constitution and the law to restore political and social stability as early as possible,” Chinese Foreign Ministry’s spokesman Geng Shuang said.
On Monday, the Kremlin said Putin intends to talk with Bolsonaro about the events in Bolivia, at least during a bilateral meeting scheduled for next Wednesday.
The trade war between the US and China could also lead to disagreements between Brazil and the other BRICS partners, which could put Bolsonaro at a crossroads between his biggest political ally and his main customer.
For now, Brazil has juggled the difficult balance with a good dose of pragmatism, speaking out in favor of multilateralism and free trade.
In mid 2020, Bolsonaro’s government will face another crossroads when it comes to an auction for 5G frequencies – the technology at the heart of the US-China dispute.
According to analysts, the thick political relationship woven between Bolsonaro and Trump could change if Brazil accepts Chinese firm Huawei, which for Washington represents a “threat” to security.
The White House’s tough stance on Huawei has been rejected by Russia and South Africa, while India has avoided the matter.
Brazil Politics: Lula Targets Economic Reform Agenda in Speech
Fernando Travaglini. Bloomberg. November 11, 2019
(Bloomberg) -- Former Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva gave a strong speech on Saturday to a crowd of supporters gathered in front of a metalworkers union headquarters outside the city of Sao Paulo. He criticized the Carwash corruption probe and the market-friendly agenda that is being implemented by President Jair Bolsonaro’s administration and Economy Minister Paulo Guedes’ team. Bolsonaro and his ministers struck back, while military army representatives worry about the risk of violence, according to the local newspapers.
Criticism of Guedes
“I doubt that the dream-destroying minister, the job-destroyer, the destroyer of Brazilian public companies called Guedes, sleeps with a clear conscience,” Lula said in a speech on Saturday. At the same time, Lula said that Bolsonaro was democratically elected and that the result must be accepted.
Lula’s Travels
Lula has pledged to travel around Brazil and Latin America, offering support for leftist leaders at a moment when the region is engulfed by growing political turmoil. Lula is expected to start his tour in the Northeast of Brazil, this Sunday, according to Folha de S.Paulo.
Bolsonaro’s Reply
Bolsonaro broke his silence about Lula’s release and wrote that he will not respond to “criminals who are now free,” via Twitter. Bolsonaro also met top military officials on Saturday morning to assess the outlook after the former president’s release, according to Estado.
Military Concern
Among the military, there is concern that Lula’s speech may incite violence, according to Estado. According to Folha de S.Paulo, the army fears the risk of radicalization between Bolsonaro and Lula’s supporters, but considers that both were reasonably reserved in their initial comments.
Counterattack
Guedes’s team is preparing for ways to counter Lula’s speeches. The ministry is betting on the argument that the economy is gaining steam, and that the government has released money, such as the FGTS funds, without cutting benefits, according to Folha. Bolsonaro also endorsed Justice Minister Sergio Moro’s reaction to Lula, according to Folha de S.Paulo. Moro has become a key player in Bolsonaro’s strategy of confronting Lula. The president himself accused Lula of causing the stock market drop on Friday:
Agenda Keeps Advancing
The government is set to launch a package to encourage the hiring of young and old people. The pension reform may be enacted on Tuesday, while the Senate is expected to complete the first round vote a constitutional amendment to include states and municipalities in the pension reform. The government is expected send a proposal for public administration reform to the lower house. Congress also looks set to speed up debate about jail time for convicts, following last week’s Supreme Court decision.
Obstruction
Brazil parties pledge to obstruct other agenda items in order to discuss imprisonment. Podemos and Novo parties will obstruct the lower house’s plenary and committees until a constitutional amendment proposal dealing with the rule on imprisonment after first appeal is voted on. Moro also defended the amendment.
Bolsonaro about Bolivia
Lula and Bolsonaro’s reactions to the crisis in Bolivia reflect the growing polarization in Brazil. While Lula called it a “coup,” Bolsonaro said the word “coup” is only used when the left loses, according to O Globo.
Other highlights
Bolsonaro has sold 91 billion reais in assets of Banco do Brasil, Petrobras and Caixa: Folha de S.PauloGovernment arranges meetings with international oil companies: Valor EconomicoInfrastructure studies fusion between three state-owned transport area: Valor Economico
Newspaper Top Stories
O Estado de S. Paulo, Folha de S.Paulo and O Globo Newspapers highlight Evo Morales’ resignation in BoliviaValor EconomicoReports that only 6% of cities meet basic sanitation goals
(Bloomberg) -- Former Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva gave a strong speech on Saturday to a crowd of supporters gathered in front of a metalworkers union headquarters outside the city of Sao Paulo. He criticized the Carwash corruption probe and the market-friendly agenda that is being implemented by President Jair Bolsonaro’s administration and Economy Minister Paulo Guedes’ team. Bolsonaro and his ministers struck back, while military army representatives worry about the risk of violence, according to the local newspapers.
Criticism of Guedes
“I doubt that the dream-destroying minister, the job-destroyer, the destroyer of Brazilian public companies called Guedes, sleeps with a clear conscience,” Lula said in a speech on Saturday. At the same time, Lula said that Bolsonaro was democratically elected and that the result must be accepted.
Lula’s Travels
Lula has pledged to travel around Brazil and Latin America, offering support for leftist leaders at a moment when the region is engulfed by growing political turmoil. Lula is expected to start his tour in the Northeast of Brazil, this Sunday, according to Folha de S.Paulo.
Bolsonaro’s Reply
Bolsonaro broke his silence about Lula’s release and wrote that he will not respond to “criminals who are now free,” via Twitter. Bolsonaro also met top military officials on Saturday morning to assess the outlook after the former president’s release, according to Estado.
Military Concern
Among the military, there is concern that Lula’s speech may incite violence, according to Estado. According to Folha de S.Paulo, the army fears the risk of radicalization between Bolsonaro and Lula’s supporters, but considers that both were reasonably reserved in their initial comments.
Counterattack
Guedes’s team is preparing for ways to counter Lula’s speeches. The ministry is betting on the argument that the economy is gaining steam, and that the government has released money, such as the FGTS funds, without cutting benefits, according to Folha. Bolsonaro also endorsed Justice Minister Sergio Moro’s reaction to Lula, according to Folha de S.Paulo. Moro has become a key player in Bolsonaro’s strategy of confronting Lula. The president himself accused Lula of causing the stock market drop on Friday:
Agenda Keeps Advancing
The government is set to launch a package to encourage the hiring of young and old people. The pension reform may be enacted on Tuesday, while the Senate is expected to complete the first round vote a constitutional amendment to include states and municipalities in the pension reform. The government is expected send a proposal for public administration reform to the lower house. Congress also looks set to speed up debate about jail time for convicts, following last week’s Supreme Court decision.
Obstruction
Brazil parties pledge to obstruct other agenda items in order to discuss imprisonment. Podemos and Novo parties will obstruct the lower house’s plenary and committees until a constitutional amendment proposal dealing with the rule on imprisonment after first appeal is voted on. Moro also defended the amendment.
Bolsonaro about Bolivia
Lula and Bolsonaro’s reactions to the crisis in Bolivia reflect the growing polarization in Brazil. While Lula called it a “coup,” Bolsonaro said the word “coup” is only used when the left loses, according to O Globo.
Other highlights
Bolsonaro has sold 91 billion reais in assets of Banco do Brasil, Petrobras and Caixa: Folha de S.PauloGovernment arranges meetings with international oil companies: Valor EconomicoInfrastructure studies fusion between three state-owned transport area: Valor Economico
Newspaper Top Stories
O Estado de S. Paulo, Folha de S.Paulo and O Globo Newspapers highlight Evo Morales’ resignation in BoliviaValor EconomicoReports that only 6% of cities meet basic sanitation goals
Brazil aims to create up to 4 million jobs via stimulus package
Al Jazeera. November 11, 2019
Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro has launched a programme to create jobs largely based on tax reductions for employers as Brazil struggles to put more than 12 million people back to work.
The pension and labour secretary said on Monday the administration aims to create 1.8 million jobs for people aged 18-29 and almost 1 million other jobs by the end of 2022.
The government has also unveiled a bill to bring up to 1.25 million disabled and injured workers back into the workforce.
The jobs package comes amid stubborn double-digit unemployment as well as violent protests elsewhere in Latin America, including Chile, stemming partly from economic difficulties. Brazil's economy is headed for its third straight year of roughly one-percent growth, following two years of deep recession, and patience is wearing thin.
"People between 18 and 29 have double the (average) unemployment rate. That is why we chose them to be beneficiaries," labour secretary Rogerio Marinho said. "We will make payrolls less expensive over the next three years, responsibly, showing how we will make up for it while respecting the budget."
Marinho said labour costs for employers will fall as much as 34 percent with the programme for young people.
Other measures include extending microcredit loans for those currently unable to borrow money and allowing companies the flexibility to work holidays and Sundays.
However, left-leaning politicians have opposed working on Sunday in the past, arguing it would open the door to exploitation.
The rules are already in effect, but Brazil's Congress must ratify them.
The government said that its tax cut aims to encourage employers to hire young people who are just entering the job market and who are often drawn into low-paying informal labour. The programme runs through the end of 2022.
"The proposal attacks a market failure. Young people don't have experience, so they don't get jobs. Since they don't get jobs, they don't get experience," said Marcelo Neri, an economist who directs the social policy department at the Getulio Vargas Foundation university. "Moreover, it's the group of people who suffered most in the past five years."
Brazil's unemployment rate surged during the 2015-2016 recession and has been in the double digits since. Three years ago, Bolsonaro's predecessor, Michel Temer, proposed labour reform pitched as certain to stimulate jobs in Latin America's largest economy.
However, most employment gains since have come from informal or part-time work.
Unemployment has come down since its 13.7 percent peak in 2017, but not fast enough to satisfy a beleaguered workforce. Joblessness was 11.8 percent in the third quarter, down from 11.9 percent in the same period a year earlier.
Many of those who cast their vote for Bolsonaro last October hoped the shift in policy would reinvigorate the economy.
Brazilians in recent years have turned to self-employment, for example performing odd jobs, doing deliveries on bike or motorcycle and driving for ride-share apps like Uber. Postings for steady jobs, even those paying as little as $400 a month, draw long lines of applicants.
Official data from the third quarter show 4.7 million people are so disheartened that they have stopped looking for work.
Bolsonaro's new policies aim to help job seekers by helping employers.
By changing the indexation method for compensation payments, the government is hoping to help state-run firms save up to 37 billion Brazilian reais ($8.9bn) over five years.
Some 65 billion reais ($15.7bn) could be injected into the economy by replacing the deposits companies set aside for labour dispute compensation payments with guarantees or insurance, the government forecast.
Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro has launched a programme to create jobs largely based on tax reductions for employers as Brazil struggles to put more than 12 million people back to work.
The pension and labour secretary said on Monday the administration aims to create 1.8 million jobs for people aged 18-29 and almost 1 million other jobs by the end of 2022.
The government has also unveiled a bill to bring up to 1.25 million disabled and injured workers back into the workforce.
The jobs package comes amid stubborn double-digit unemployment as well as violent protests elsewhere in Latin America, including Chile, stemming partly from economic difficulties. Brazil's economy is headed for its third straight year of roughly one-percent growth, following two years of deep recession, and patience is wearing thin.
"People between 18 and 29 have double the (average) unemployment rate. That is why we chose them to be beneficiaries," labour secretary Rogerio Marinho said. "We will make payrolls less expensive over the next three years, responsibly, showing how we will make up for it while respecting the budget."
Marinho said labour costs for employers will fall as much as 34 percent with the programme for young people.
Other measures include extending microcredit loans for those currently unable to borrow money and allowing companies the flexibility to work holidays and Sundays.
However, left-leaning politicians have opposed working on Sunday in the past, arguing it would open the door to exploitation.
The rules are already in effect, but Brazil's Congress must ratify them.
The government said that its tax cut aims to encourage employers to hire young people who are just entering the job market and who are often drawn into low-paying informal labour. The programme runs through the end of 2022.
"The proposal attacks a market failure. Young people don't have experience, so they don't get jobs. Since they don't get jobs, they don't get experience," said Marcelo Neri, an economist who directs the social policy department at the Getulio Vargas Foundation university. "Moreover, it's the group of people who suffered most in the past five years."
Brazil's unemployment rate surged during the 2015-2016 recession and has been in the double digits since. Three years ago, Bolsonaro's predecessor, Michel Temer, proposed labour reform pitched as certain to stimulate jobs in Latin America's largest economy.
However, most employment gains since have come from informal or part-time work.
Unemployment has come down since its 13.7 percent peak in 2017, but not fast enough to satisfy a beleaguered workforce. Joblessness was 11.8 percent in the third quarter, down from 11.9 percent in the same period a year earlier.
Many of those who cast their vote for Bolsonaro last October hoped the shift in policy would reinvigorate the economy.
Brazilians in recent years have turned to self-employment, for example performing odd jobs, doing deliveries on bike or motorcycle and driving for ride-share apps like Uber. Postings for steady jobs, even those paying as little as $400 a month, draw long lines of applicants.
Official data from the third quarter show 4.7 million people are so disheartened that they have stopped looking for work.
Bolsonaro's new policies aim to help job seekers by helping employers.
By changing the indexation method for compensation payments, the government is hoping to help state-run firms save up to 37 billion Brazilian reais ($8.9bn) over five years.
Some 65 billion reais ($15.7bn) could be injected into the economy by replacing the deposits companies set aside for labour dispute compensation payments with guarantees or insurance, the government forecast.
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