Brazilian police probe a pension fraud scheme that stole $1 billion from retirees
Associated PressAPR 16
Brazil: Social Security Minister Resigns Amid Billion-Dollar Fraud Scandal
Above: Social Security Minister Carlos Lupi during a press conference at the transitional government building in Brasilia, on Dec. 29, 2022. Image copyright: Evaristo Sa/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Left narrative
President Lula ordered the dismissal of Stefanutto as soon as he learned the details of the investigation, and Minister Carlos Lupi has resigned. These developments demonstrate a strong commitment to fighting corruption as federal institutions under Lula have finally dismantled this unacceptable, years-old fraud scheme.
Right narrative
Bad choices have dire consequences, and retirees and pensioners in Brazil are now paying the price for the choice that Brazilians made in the 2022 presidential election. It should be no surprise that electing a convicted, corrupt politician like Lula would fuel corruption in the country.