Brazil’s Temer fails to get pensions reform vote this year

SAO PAULO – A pension reform that’s key to the economic agenda of Brazilian President Michel Temer won’t come to a vote this year — lowering the chances he can get it passed before leaving office.

Chamber of Deputies Speaker Rodrigo Maia said on Thursday he aims put the bill to a vote on Feb. 19, but even that is far from certain. And passage may become harder as the October 2018 general election nears.

Temer appears to be struggling to get the 308 votes needed to pass the measure, which would require most people to work more years to receive full benefits. It’s meant to help Brazil recover from a protracted recession.

Temer’s current popularity is in single digits, though he’s maintained support from business leaders.