Debate grows among Lula's team over Brazil fuel tax policy

FILE PHOTO: Brazil's Economy Minister Fernando Haddad greets President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva during a meeting to sign the government's economic package at the Planalto Palace in Brasilia, Brazil January 12, 2023. REUTERS/Adriano Machado

BRASILIA (Reuters) - A debate has broken out among senior aides to Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva over fuel taxes, underlining the competing views within his circle over the future path of his nascent leftist administration.

Former far-right Jair Bolsonaro unveiled the fuel tax cut last year as he sought to ease inflation and win over voters ahead of the election which he eventually lost to Lula. Since Lula's victory, debate has raged within his Workers Party (PT) over what to do with the costly and popular measure.