The House Committee will discuss the transfer of federal lotteries to a Caixa subsidiary
The hearing, which aims to debate the topic and a possible privatization of the sector, will take place on Wednesday, April 3
The Lottery House
The Committee on Administration and Public Service (CASP) of the Chamber of Deputies will debate the possible transfer of federal lotteries to a subsidiary of Caixa Econômica Federal next Wednesday, April 3. Union pressure for the debate is being led by deputies Erika Kokay and Tadeu Veneri, who highlight the risk of privatization of lotteries if they are transferred to Loterias Caixa.
Although the CEF Board of Directors had scheduled a meeting to discuss the matter, in the face of pressure from union entities, the debate was postponed. However, the deputies intend to hear from a representative of the Ministry of Finance and entities linked to Caixa.
Kokay and Veneri question the motivation, legality, socioeconomic impact, and potential reduction of funds earmarked for social actions if the transfer occurs and Loterias CAIXA is privatized.
Kokay and Veneri "emphasize that Caixa's lotteries have been fundamental in reducing social inequalities in the country, by transferring resources to social policies. Approximately 40% of Caixa Loterias' profit is allocated to investments in health, education, and social projects".
The deputies recall in the request that during Michel Temer's government, it was decided to privatize Lotex and that Caixa was disallowed from participating in the auction, which was won by the Estrela da Sorte Consortium (IGT and Scientific Games). "After a few years and without executing the service, the consortium withdrew from the operation. With this, the government went 7 years without collecting resources from instant lotteries," they highlight.
The deputies emphasize that "the lotteries belong to the State, Caixa is only the Manager." And they argue that "current law establishes the exclusive management of lotteries by Caixa," questioning whether "to change the administration to another CNPJ, wouldn't a change in the law be necessary?".
The CASP still awaits confirmation from the Ministry of Finance regarding the participation of a representative of the Department, as well as from the Executive Committee of Caixa's Employees, the National Federation of CEF Personnel Associations (Fenae), and the Brazilian Federation of Lottery Companies (Febralot). So far, the president of the National Confederation of Workers in the Financial Sector of CUT, Juvandia Moreira Leite, has guaranteed virtual presence.