Minas Gerais' Debt Conundrum: Candidates Clash Over Propag Agreement

## Debt Debate Heats Up in Minas Gerais The debate over Minas Gerais' debt has taken center stage in the state's election campaign, with candidates offering varying perspectives on the Propag agreement with the federal government. Alexandre Kalil, the PDT candidate, has been vocal in his criticism of the agreement, accusing Cleitinho Azevedo, a senator from the Republicanos party, of approving the Propag without reading it. Kalil claims that the agreement could have a significant impact on the state's finances in the coming years, potentially generating R$ 165 billion in debt over five years. He argues that the situation has made the state difficult to govern, stating that "Minas Gerais has become ungovernable due to the Propag." Kalil also suggests that the state needs to resolve the issue of its debt. ## Cleitinho Defends Propag and Calls for New Negotiations Cleitinho Azevedo, on the other hand, has defended the Propag agreement, describing it as a "cancer" that the state needs to treat with "chemotherapy." He believes that the agreement is a necessary evil and that the state needs to work with the federal government to renegotiate the debt. Cleitinho also proposes revising tax exemptions, combating tax evasion, and increasing revenue to address the state's financial woes. ## Other Candidates Weigh In Other candidates have also shared their views on the Propag agreement and the state's debt. Flávio Roscoe, a candidate from the PL party, has announced plans to gather the state's parliamentary delegation to press for a new negotiation with the federal government. He suggests that the state should take a more proactive approach to addressing its debt, including measures to stimulate the economy and increase revenue. Mateus Simões, a candidate from the PSD party, has defended the current agreement, arguing that the state has already made significant progress in paying off its debt. He claims that the state has paid R$ 13 billion towards its debt and that the agreement has helped to bring the state's finances under control. Gabriel Azevedo, a candidate from the MDB party, has proposed a more cautious approach, emphasizing the need to balance the state's finances without compromising essential services. He suggests revising benefits granted to companies and creating an agency to monitor public spending. ## The State's Debt Conundrum Minas Gerais' debt has been a longstanding issue, with the state being one of the largest contributors to the country's state debt. The state's debt has been a major point of contention in the election campaign, with candidates offering differing solutions to address the problem. As the election draws near, it remains to be seen which candidate's approach will prevail and how the state will address its debt conundrum.