Brazilian president defends social security reform

RIO DE JANEIRO, Jan. 31 (Xinhua) -- Brazilian President Michel Temer defended the social security system reform Wednesday saying that the reform is "not a boogeyman."

"Every time we speak of social security reform, there is resistance. But soon after, when the reviews are made, people see that the reform is not a boogeyman," Temer said during a concession ceremony for pre-salt oil exploration areas.

The government said the reform is necessary to tackle the significant deficit in the social security system and ensure the future payment of pensions.

The bill will be submitted to the parliament in two weeks. Temer said his administration is still working to ensure the minimum votes required for approval.

The reform is so controversial that critics said the government's calculations of the deficit in the system are incorrect.

The bill sets a minimum retirement age of 65 for men and 62 for women, regardless of how many years one has worked. Critics said that the reform will have a disproportional impact on poor workers and on workers in physically demanding jobs.

Since last year Temer has been defending the social security reform to convince the people to support the reform bill. Enditem