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INSS Inquiry Blocks Testimony From Lulinha and Messias, Calls Zema, Shifts to Records Phase

The government-aligned majority's win shifts the inquiry toward collecting financial records to test allegations tied to the 'Farra do INSS' scheme.

Overview

  • By roll call, the committee voted 19–12 to reject summoning Fábio Luís Lula da Silva and 19–11 to reject calling Attorney General Jorge Messias.
  • Lawmakers approved hearing Minas Gerais governor Romeu Zema to address questions about Zema Financeira’s role in consignado operations affecting retirees.
  • The CPMI advanced more than 100 requests for documents and Financial Intelligence Reports, positioning the next phase to reconstruct money flows.
  • Committee chair Carlos Viana said access to bank statements and financial documents is essential to confirm or dismiss the suspicions raised by testimony and press reports.
  • Opposition members cited claims of a R$300,000 monthly payment to Lulinha and financial movements involving PT official Ricardo Bimbo and Lulinha’s accountant, which government allies called unproven.