Lula da Silva expresses deep disappointment regarding investigations involving his inner circle
The president of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, broke his silence this Thursday following recent investigations pointing to his eldest son and his former Chief of Staff for alleged influence peddling. The president expressed feeling deeply disappointed by the circumstances surrounding both, although he emphasized that he will not intervene in the ongoing judicial processes.
Brazilian authorities are keeping Fabio Lula da Silva under scrutiny for three cases linked to alleged irregular negotiations, while Marco Aurélio Ribeiro Santana, known as Marcola, is being investigated for the receipt of benefits and resources from lobbyists. Given this scenario, the head of state was emphatic in his stance regarding individual responsibility.
If he made any mistake, he will pay for it. My son knows that he could not afford to fail. There will be no protection due to the fact that he is my son, he must prove his own innocence before the justice system.
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President of Brazil
The stance regarding the former Chief of Cabinet
Regarding Marco Aurélio Ribeiro Santana, who served as his right-hand man for seven years, the president described his behavior as completely wrong. Despite the personal closeness he maintained with him, Lula questioned why his former collaborator resorted to lobbyists instead of seeking direct help for any financial difficulty.
- The president maintains that the current accusations are based on inferences derived from wiretaps.
- No conclusive evidence has been presented that the former advisor’s actions led to the release of public funds.
- Lula reaffirmed that the investigations must follow their legal course without political interference from the Executive branch.
Within the framework of the electoral climate that Brazil is experiencing ahead of the upcoming elections, the progressive leader stressed that his commitment as president prevails over any family or personal ties. He assured that the Brazilian State guarantees transparency and that any citizen, regardless of their closeness to power, must answer to the law if the commission of an illicit act is proven.
