Brasília, 12/9/2003 (Agência Brasil – ABR) – Minister of Finance, Antônio Palocci, says that in 2004 the government will send a bill to congress giving the Central Bank operational autonomy. Palocci pointed out that at the moment operational autonomy already exists in practice, but that specific legislation would strengthen the institution and increase the country's credibility abroad. "We are not in hurry about this because in practical terms it already exists, but having the law on the books is a good idea," said the minister.

Palocci pointed out that it was important to understand that it was operational autonomy and not independence that was under study as the latter was strongly opposed by the PT. (AB)