Brazil's Lula to continue tax reform but replace income tax bill if elected, says aide

FILE PHOTO: Former Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva gestures during an interview with Reuters in Sao Paulo, Brazil December 17, 2021. Picture taken December 17, 2021. REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli/File Photo

BRASILIA (Reuters) - Brazil's former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, if elected in October, will back a tax reform bill currently in the Senate that would unify federal taxes on consumption into one valued-added tax, a close aide told Reuters on Thursday.

He would also replace another bill changing income taxes that has already been approved by the lower house, said former minister Aloizio Mercadante, coordinator of Lula's Workers Party (PT) campaign program and a member of Lula's inner circle.