José Múcio took part in a session of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Chamber of Deputies
José Múcio, Minister of Defense, expressed his dissatisfaction with the budget cut, emphasizing that “Defense cannot be improvised”. This dissatisfaction comes in the context of a R$280 million reduction in the ministry’s budget. The politician attended a session of the Foreign Relations Committee of the Chamber of Deputies on Wednesday 17th.
He said: “We’re almost left with sailors without ships, airmen without planes and soldiers without equipment”. Múcio stressed that Defence belongs to the country and cannot be ideologized. He emphasized that they are partners and servants of the government.
Brazil’s investment in defense corresponds to approximately 1.1% of GDP, while the global average is 2.3% of GDP. Múcio compared these figures with the investments of nearby countries. Colombia stands out with the highest investment as a proportion of GDP, at 3.1%. This is followed by Ecuador, with 2.2%, and Uruguay, with 1.9%. José Múcio calls for predictability in the Ministry of Defense’s budget.
José Múcio calls for predictability in the Ministry of Defense’s budget
In asking for more investment in the area, Múcio acknowledged that Brazil is a “poor” country, and asking for funds for Defense could be misinterpreted due to other priorities. However, he believes that the absence of a fixed percentage reduces the predictability needed to sustain operations.
“All Defense equipment is very expensive, but it is fundamental for a country the size of Brazil,” José Múcio defended. “We need to have a definitive and respected defense, because the world is arming itself. In order to live in peace, we need to understand that people respect us for the defense potential we have.
José Múcio also mentioned some examples of equipment that Defense needs to acquire. The most expensive is a submarine, with an approximate price tag of €500 million (R$2.7 billion). During French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit last month, Brazil presented a submersible.
The Minister of Defense was present in the House committee alongside the leaders of the Armed Forces.
*** Translated by DEFCONPress FYI Team ***