Lula calls for probe into Banco Master case ‘without shielding anyone’

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of the Workers’ Party (PT) broke his silence on Thursday (3), defending investigations into everyone linked to the Banco Master fraud case, “without shielding anyone” and “regardless of who it affects.” Lula called on the Federal Supreme Court (STF) and the Prosecutor General’s Office (PGR), whose members have been accused of involvement in the case, to lead a process “that guarantees the integrity of and public confidence in the investigations.”

“It is time for those who serve in public life to honor their professional duty and put their commitment to the public interest above any individual interest,” Lula said in a video released early Thursday evening (3).

“It is essential that everyone be investigated, without shielding anyone, regardless of who it affects. The Brazilian people have the right to know the truth,” the president added.

Lula described the Banco Master scandal as the “biggest robbery in Brazil’s history.” The president did not name anyone, but said the “leader of the scheme,” a reference to Vorcaro, “has ties to many powerful people.” Throughout the video, the president did not directly mention Justice Moraes.

Lula criticized the leaks of the past few days and said Brazilian democracy cannot be held “hostage to selective leaks.” He then called for STF Chief Justice Edson Fachin and the Prosecutor General’s Office (PGR) to lead a process “that guarantees the integrity of and public confidence in the investigations.”

“As president of the Republic, I believe that only by acting firmly and transparently can we ensure that institutions are respected by Brazilian society,” he said.

In recent days, Lula was advised not to become directly involved in the case to avoid potential political fallout, with the first round of the election a month away. However, within the PT, there is concern about the relationship built between Justice Moraes and the government in recent years, particularly following the trial of those accused of involvement in the January 8, 2023, attacks on Brazil’s democratic institutions, and about the possibility of alignment and proximity between them. That concern led to the decision to record the video.

The idea was for Lula to adopt an institutional tone in the recording, presenting himself as president of the Republic rather than as a candidate seeking reelection. The video was therefore recorded at the Planalto Palace, the seat of Brazil’s federal government. Even so, the Workers’ Party is discussing the possibility of airing the video in its television campaign advertising on Saturday (5).

As another way to shield himself from political fallout, Lula has also met in recent days with STF justices to discuss the matter and avoid misunderstandings that could further strain relations between Brazil’s branches of government. The strategy is for both the campaign and the government to defend the autonomy of the investigations, in an effort to prevent the crisis from taking hold at the Planalto Palace and benefiting Lula’s opponents in the election.