BRASILIA, Brazil, May 3 (UPI) -- Brazil's president defended his nationwide minimum-wage hike Monday against those who claim the raise wasn't nearly enough.
President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva last week announced Brazil's minimum wage would increase from 240 reals a month (about $81) to 260 reals (approximately $88).
Political opponents and even some lawmakers in his ruling Workers' Party reacted with outrage, saying the increase it wasn't nearly enough and should be closer to 300 reals, or approximately $100.
In his bimonthly radio address, Lula responded to the criticism for the first time, attempting to explain his administration's decision-making process vis-à-vis budgetary logic.
He said he had discussed the possibility of raising the wage to 300 reals with his chief of staff and minister, but realized it would put a burden on the budget that Brazil couldn't afford.
"To do that (set the new wage at 300 reals) knowing that we don't have the money would be totally irresponsible of us," said Lula, adding even raising the minimum wage by just an additional 10 reals - to 270 reals -- would cost the federal government about $1 billion during the next year.
