Guedes, Marinho clashing over reforms, privatizations

Six months after taking over as Regional Development Minister, Rogério Marinho is clashing with Economy Minister Paulo Guedes. The conflict started during negotiations over pension reform, headed by Mr. Marinho,
and came to light in the now infamous cabinet meeting of April 22. The relationship deteriorated further when Mr. Guedes decided that Mr. Marinho could not negotiate to extend to 2021 the releasing of funds to ensure the resumption of public investments. The list of disagreements includes the negotiation of reforms and privatizations with Congress. According to legislators and experts, by sidelining Mr. Marinho, who has influence in congress, Mr. Guedes has had to make more compromises – and shell out more federal money – to push through his economic proposals.