Opinião: Contra a autonomia financeira e administrativa do Banco Central — uma crítica à Lei Complementar 179

Summary

This opinion article argues against granting financial and administrative autonomy to Brazil's Central Bank (Banco Central). The authors contend that the 2021 complementary law 179, which established the BC's autonomy, is part of a neoliberal agenda that strips the State of its responsibility to formulate economic policies addressing material life challenges. They argue that the supposed separation between "technical" and "political" decisions is a fallacy, as monetary policy inherently involves political choices that affect employment, economic growth, and income distribution. The article criticizes the narrow focus on inflation targeting at the expense of other economic goals, and warns that autonomous central banks tend to prioritize financial market interests over broader societal needs.