MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency
Trial of the century takes off in Brazil; at stake Lula da Silva’s legacy
The former president is adored by the crowds but the court hearings could surface surprises Seven years after a corruption scandal rattled the government of former President Lula da Silva, Brazil's Supreme Court began on Thursday a landmark trial that could mar the wildly popular leader's legacy.
Brazilians still don't know the extent of the infamous “mensalão” scandal, an alleged scheme to pay legislators a monthly retainer in exchange for their support in Congress.
If prosecutors get their way, though, they could convict as many as 38 former officials and associates of the ruling Workers' Party, several of whom were senior aides to Lula da Silva at the time, including three former ministers.
The affair has little bearing on the day-to-day dealings of President Dilma Rousseff, who was hand-picked by Lula da Silva to succeed him and won the election with his strong support.
But the trial, expected to last over a month, will be closely watched across Brazil and is the subject of magazine covers, front-page spreads, and heated conversations in living rooms, bars and street corners.
At stake is the legacy of Brazil's most popular politician in the last half century. He was sluggish in his initial response to the scandal, defending some of the accused, but is still beloved after an eight-year administration during which Brazil's economy grew by an annual average greater than 4%.
Though re-elected for a second term one year after the scandal toppled trusted deputies, details that may emerge during the trial could cast doubt on Lula da Silva's longstanding denials that he knew about alleged payments.
They could also impact any plans he harbours to return to the presidency, a remote possibility he has acknowledged should Rousseff decide against seeking re-election in 2014.
On Wednesday citizens in Sao Paulo, Brazil's biggest city, spelled “mensalão” in candles along a central avenue. In Brasilia, security guards in black suits and sunglasses lined the perimeter of the colonnaded Supreme Court building.
Corruption is still a major problem in Brazil, from small town councils all the way to the federal Congress, where many lawmakers are experts at back-room deals and often rat each other out to reporters.
“It's often said that there is no punishment in Brazil,” former President Fernando Henrique Cardoso said in a video by his centrist party, the chief opposition to the ruling populist Workers' Party, PT. “Now we have an important moment, a moment for Brazilian history.”
Top Comments
Disclaimer & comment rules-
-
-
Read all commentsWill it affect Lula da Silva's political legacy ? No! The leader of the opposition, Jose Serra once said: “Lula is beyond good and bad!” (Lula likewise stated about Jeose Serra: ”Serra is not just any other guy !) Both were presecuted during the Military Dictatorship (1964-9185) which was supported by the U.S. and Britain. There not many older political personalities active in Brazil - both pro as well as contra the current government, who had not been persecuted by the Military Dictatorship. Thus, no, the trial will only serve to confirm the emotional ties of the “americanized” sector , which consists only of younger white males and single white women in the larger cities in the South - primarily Sao Paulo where those elements would like to become a U.S. “territory”. The majority of the population looks at the facts: Since Lula 2002 - the majority have increased the income, have achieved better social benefits. And industry and agriculture - has greatly benefited by the NATIONALISTIC ideology of the Lula-Dilma team. Of course BBC and the Catholic Church will publish hyped up propaganda in relations to the trial - thus for those who like to get duped - keep following BBC and the Catholic media!
Aug 03rd, 2012 - 04:14 am 0BBC is for brainwashed idiots (like Geoff).
Aug 03rd, 2012 - 05:20 am 0Brazilians need to step up the pressure or get what they deserve. Same here as where I live...cause Corruption is becoming totally normal while nobody goes to jail.
I'm sorry, Fido.
Aug 03rd, 2012 - 03:09 pm 0Do you know anything about Brasil?
No evidence to date.
Guys,
this trial is about *corruption*;
the buying of votes using the people's money to keep particular politicians and their lackeys in power and on the gravy train.
It is about just how many people should go go to jail and for how long.
It is about making sure that they never again take any part in public office (Ficha Limpa).
It is NOT about feeding the desires of the 'Americanized' urban elite of Sao Paulo.
It is not about the Oppositions taking a revenge on the ruling coalition, especially Lula and PT.
It is not about killing off the reputation of the 'hero of the common man', Lula.
It is not about the BBC or the Catholic church.
This is a long overdue process of showing the politicians, etc that 'rule' Brasil that the evil that has become the way Brasil is 'ruled' and managed can be removed - like a surgeon removes a cancer - and that they become answerable to the people.
Running a town, a district, a state, a federation of states should be an act of public service, not a personal (and family) route to producing multi-millionaires out of the public purse, etc.
Commenting for this story is now closed.
If you have a Facebook account, become a fan and comment on our Facebook Page!