MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Brazilian Senate president family again caught red-handed

Senator Jose Sarney, crucial ally of President Lula da Silva

Brazilian president Lula da Silva’s main ally in the Senate, Jose Sarney is again on the “corruption” spotlight following the release of incriminating tapes, this time involving his son Fernando Sarney.

“I name who ever I wish in the Senate” Sarney Jr is recorded on a taped phone call from the Federal Police as part of an investigation into his activities.

Fernando Sarney was indicted earlier this year for money laundering and illegal trafficking of foreign currency.

According to Folha do Sao Paulo, following the taped conversation a close relative of the Sarney family was named to an administrative post in the Senate with a monthly salary equivalent to 4.000 US dollars.

Last month the Senate Ethics Council received eleven corruption claims against Senator Sarney, but they were brushed aside by the head of the council, a political ally and personal friend of the Senate president.

Sarney as president of the Senate and the main block in the Upper house holds a key post regarding the legislative agenda and is crucial for the approval of bills.

In spite of all the corruption claims which include deviation of funds, nepotism, naming his several villas’ domestic personnel as Senate staff and even having a private room for “intimate affairs” in the Senate compound, President Lula da Silva supported him alleging they were all unfounded fabricated criticisms.

The Workers Party block in the Senate after much feet dragging finally followed Lula da Silva’s instructions and voted down an investigation on the charges against his Senate ally, and former president (1985-1990) Jose Sarney.