Brazil Finance Minister Dario Durigan Defends Sovereignty and Pix Amid US Trade Barriers

Finance Minister Dario Durigan told a crowd at the 7th plenary meeting of Brazil's Sustainable Economic Development Council that "Brazil does not bow its head" and affirmed the country's sovereign control over the Pix payment system. His remarks came as the United States announced new trade barriers and higher tariffs that could hit Brazilian exports. Durigan said Pix is a strategic asset that will remain under strict state governance and highlighted Brazil's leadership in forums such as the IMF, World Bank, G20 and G7.

He also addressed domestic social issues, criticizing the 6×1 work schedule and supporting a constitutional amendment that would replace it with a 5×2 schedule and reduce weekly hours from 44 to 40. Durigan noted a crackdown on illegal online betting, which has closed more than 30,000 irregular operators and prohibited credit‑card use for betting. Finally, he announced cooperation with Brazil's Ministry of Justice and the U.S. government to freeze the financial assets of organized‑crime groups through the Federal Revenue Service, COAF and the Federal Police.