Brasília, May 19, 2003 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - The Minister of National Integration, Ciro Gomes, called for the PPS (Social Progressive Party) to give its unconditional support to the Administration's proposals for tax and social security reform. He took part in the national encounter of the party in Brasília, on Saturday (17).

The PPS currently has three Senators and 21 Federal Deputies in its bloc. The Minister's only restriction is that support for the Administration's policy does not prohibit suggestions for "the improvements that our Congressional representatives consider correct. Otherwise, we are in complete agreement."

One of the changes that the PPS should present involves tax reform. The party wants the Value-Added Tax to be charged in the state where the product is sold - and not at the point of origin, where it is produced.

For Gomes, the current position of the PPS is for the party to assume responsibility, including the formulation of proposals. "We are responsible for supporting Lula's Administration as far as our forces permit, since we understand that the Administration is on the right path." (DAS)