Rogério Ceron, the National Treasury Secretary of Brazil, recently addressed criticisms directed at the fiscal management of President Lula's administration by economist Mansueto Almeida. In a video posted on social media, Ceron emphasized that in economics, there is no room for denialism and showcased data indicating improvements in public finances under the current administration. Although he did not directly name Almeida, he referred to a recent event where an unnamed former treasury secretary suggested that the Brazilian economy is not performing well, which Ceron strongly contested based on supportive data.

Ceron presented several key economic indicators, asserting that total expenditure, gross debt, and primary results have improved between 2023 and 2025 compared to the years 2016-2020. He noted that the positive shifts in debt figures post-2020 were largely influenced by an inflationary shock, rather than as a result of effective fiscal policies. This argument suggests that external economic factors have played a significant role in the perceived recovery of Brazil's fiscal health, underscoring the complexities of attributing changes solely to government actions.

By countering Almeida's assertions, Ceron aims to bolster confidence in Lula's administration's fiscal direction and mitigate skepticism surrounding its economic strategy. The significance of this debate illustrates wider tensions in Brazil's economic landscape, particularly as the government seeks to stabilize the economy while addressing public and financial sector criticisms. The discourse reflects ongoing concerns about Brazil's fiscal viability and the narrative surrounding its recovery after a challenging economic period.