Graft Claims, Pro-Lula Rallies Mark Brazil Runoff Campaign
The Facts
- Brazilian magazine Veja reported on Friday that jailed banker Daniel Vorcaro said he paid R$30 million ($5 million) in cash off the books to finance a documentary about the Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, adding that prosecutors decided not to pursue the case. Police have denied that such a statement exists.
- Meanwhile, news outlets Estadão and UOL reported on Saturday that police found emails suggesting presidential front-runner Flávio Bolsonaro had shared a bank account with Willer Tomaz, a lawyer involved in the country's billion-dollar social security scandal. Bolsonaro and Tomaz dismissed these claims as fake news.
- Meanwhile, students have held demonstrations in several cities across the country in support of Lula ahead of the Oct. 25 runoff, following last Wednesday's march through central Rio de Janeiro.
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The Spin
Government-critical narrative
Lula's plan to sue Veja for a right to reply is concerning. After all, a sitting president who needs a lawsuit before answering corruption questions is a president out of answers and in despair. Support for him has collapsed across the country amid deficit spending, stubborn inflation and a crime wave that have left Brazilians poorer and less safe. As Latin America has rejected failed socialism, Brazil looks ready to join that turn.
Pro-government narrative
A magazine cover smear dropped days before a runoff is a tired playbook, so take these allegations against Lula with a grain of salt. First, last time around, the star witness admitted the whole story was fabricated. Second, Vorcaro is likely saying whatever the far-right wants to hear in a bid to be granted freedom. Brazil currently faces grassroots challenges to its democracy, and a win for the Bolsonaro family could have dire consequences.
