This is true for rich and poor nations, North and South, large and small. In Brazil's case, the task is that much greater because today is dealing with problems that have been neglected for many decades. Income distribution is still extremely unfair, and many millions live in poverty. Health and education need major improvement, despite the progress made in recent years. Working together, the government and Congress have made some important changes to the INSS state pensions scheme, which serves the private sector.
More reforms are under discussion to attack the deficit on public sector pensions.
There's a growing consensus that privileges must be eliminated or at least to be made on social issues. Also in the pipeline are fiscal and judicial reforms. Once again, the government and Congress have been working together to draw up a simpler and more equitable system. In 1999 Congress started a discussion on judicial reform, seeking to increase efficiency. Basic goals are to speed up the judicial process and reduce repeated appeal of minor cases to the highest levels.