By Kahina Boudarène | The Argentina Independent | August 15, 2013
The law to fund public services with oil revenue, headed by Brazil president Dilma Rousseff, was ratified yesterday by the Senate, two weeks after its approval by the lower house.
“We listened to the streets voices,” declared Renan Calheiros, leader of the Senate, referring to the massive social movements that started several weeks ago all around the country.
The senate has approved the move to use 75% of crude oil revenue to finance education and the other 25% to bankroll the health sector.
The law affects all oil contracts that fall within the “declaration of commerciality”, which was signed on 3rd December 2012.
At first, Rousseff wanted to direct 100% of the revenue to education. The measure was part of a pact announced last June to establish “ways to fight effectively against corruption”.
The pact contains four key points: a national mobility plan privileging public transports; 100% of the oil revenue to education sector; bringing thousands of foreign doctors to the country; and meeting with leaders from peaceful demonstrations, youth organisations, trade unions, workers movements and popular organisations.