MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency
Ex Petrobras and Banco do Brasil CEO, named by Rousseff, arrested on suspicion of bribes
Brazilian federal police on Thursday arrested a former head of Petrobras and the Banco do Brasil, marking a new chapter of the sweeping graft probe into the state-owned oil company. Three people were detained in the operation, the prosecutor's office said in a statement, as part of the “Car Wash” investigation that has uncovered systemic corruption and ensnared many of Brazil's political and business elites. Read full article
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Disclaimer & comment rulesOne hell of a stupid crook....posted evidence of his crimes in his 'cloud'...must say, doesn't do much for Lula's and Dilma's images...
Jul 28th, 2017 - 03:01 pm - Link - Report abuse 0And then the Argentinians thought they owned the territorial waters around the Falkland Islands?
Jul 28th, 2017 - 04:12 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Argentina's Continental Shelf Claims and The UN CLCA Commission :-
https://www.academia.edu/33898951/Argentinas_Continental_Shelf_Claims_-The_UN_CLCS_Commission
At least they are continuing to reel them in, Jack. It's saddening to see what a sea anchor the corruption has been to the development of Brazil and its effects on its people.
Jul 28th, 2017 - 04:57 pm - Link - Report abuse 0The good thing about Brazil that they are taking measures to bring those suspected of fraud, to justice and if condemed go to prison. Full stop, end of story. Whilst in Argentina we have the law courts working“ slow or stop” and the corrupt officials are hiding behind their Congressional inmunity and therefore even if condemned cannot be arrested nor thrown into prison. A perfect example ex President Menem, condemned to 9.1/2 years for corrupt arms deal by the highest court of the land, but being a Senator cannot be jailed..............and at the age of 87 will stand again to renew his Senate seat in a few months time, even if he very seldom if ever attends and usually falls fast asleep when present.......................and so the corruption goes on.............
Jul 28th, 2017 - 07:01 pm - Link - Report abuse 0El Peque, why do voters reelect Menem knowing that he has been convicted? And knowing he doesn't do much in his job either. That's what I don't understand.
Jul 28th, 2017 - 10:46 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Demon Tree
Jul 29th, 2017 - 01:13 am - Link - Report abuse 0That's exactly what many of us don't understand. There so many more corrupt politicians who still hand on for dear life, to this “privilidge” in order to save the necks. Cristina, De Vido, and a never ending etc.....
BUT in the end; they ALWAYS have “an explanation”:
Jul 29th, 2017 - 10:09 am - Link - Report abuse 0REF: https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/65/f7/1f/65f71f8a3b1fea28a5f1ddb568873178.jpg
@DT
Jul 29th, 2017 - 07:16 pm - Link - Report abuse 0The simple answer : ”the majority of voters are either uninformed, or stupid.....or both...
Jack Bauer aka Proof-less and Truth-less
Jul 29th, 2017 - 08:11 pm - Link - Report abuse -1“The majority of voters are either uninformed, or stupid.....or both…”
“He who claims all bathrooms in Brazil, … have poop receptacles, can be dismissed for being an idiot”
It appears that you don’t know your ass from a hole in the ground.
Toilet Paper Flushing World Map
https://mindofahitchhiker.com/should-you-flush-the-toilet-paper-a-flowchart/
TH
Jul 29th, 2017 - 09:35 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Most voters are THick....just like you.
And I'm sooo sorry you never had a decent toilet and had to crap into a hole in your back yard..
Jack Bauer aka Proof-less and Truth-less
Jul 30th, 2017 - 12:11 am - Link - Report abuse -1“The idea that toilet paper cannot be flushed down toilets, is true in only 'parts”
Is absolutely false as besides myself, four other sites have confirmed. While as usual you cannot produce any support for your claim, which therefore confirms your assertion is untrue.
http://en.mercopress.com/2017/07/20/ex-brazilian-president-assets-and-bank-accounts-frozen/comments#comment471252
In search of an honest [? OMG!] political player: The NEWS: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/brazil-corruption-odyssey/article35045704/
Jul 30th, 2017 - 12:54 pm - Link - Report abuse 0THicky,
Jul 30th, 2017 - 08:35 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Believe what you want ...but the only thing on here that is 'absolutely false' is you, hillbilly.
@JB
Jul 30th, 2017 - 09:19 pm - Link - Report abuse 0”the majority of voters are either uninformed, or stupid.....or both...”
I guess that's what we all tell ourselves when voters choose an option we can't understand. Like Brexit, in my case, or Trump.
Did this guy really post evidence of his crimes where it was publicly visible? What was it?
Jack Bauer aka Proof-less and Truth-less
Jul 30th, 2017 - 11:15 pm - Link - Report abuse -2“Believe what you want…” Thats not important, what is, is what you can prove, and I have revealed you as you really are.
Jack, I found this article on the clown, and you are right, he does not seem particularly bright. The car purchase, the attempt to run away, the high profile accomplices, etc.
Jul 31st, 2017 - 07:59 am - Link - Report abuse 0http://epoca.globo.com/politica/expresso/noticia/2017/07/conheca-o-possante-de-aldemir-bendine.html
(As a side note, I'd be interested in knowing the historic topic portrayed in that mural Moro is standing in front of...)
A NEVER Ending Soap Opera:
Jul 31st, 2017 - 09:02 am - Link - Report abuse 0http://www.reuters.com/article/us-brazil-corruption-judge-idUSKBN1AF0M9
@DT
Jul 31st, 2017 - 06:19 pm - Link - Report abuse 0When people insist on voting for a person who has proven to be a 'disaster', which you can interpret - after an 'objective' analysis - as having caused more harm that good - that is when I call them stupid. It's like bashing your head against the wall....once should be enough to realize it hurts....unless you're stupid. As to Brexit, besides being the first time such a referendum was held, I would think it's slightly more complex than deciding on whom to vote.
The Feds became aware of the fact that Bendine had used the ”wickr' app (which autodestructs messages after a while), so they searched his 'virtual cloud' and found the prints of several messages he had saved and stored...perhaps to use as leverage against his partners in crime ? ....but it backfired.
@imoyaro
You're right...nothing like calling attention to one's self.....and he carried on negotiating bribes, even after the “lavajato” was underway......goes to show the level of confidence these crooks have, believing they can get away with it.
Didn't see any mural with Moro standing infront of .....pls clarify. tks.
Jack it's on the second page of the article, here...
Jul 31st, 2017 - 06:29 pm - Link - Report abuse 0http://epoca.globo.com/politica/expresso/noticia/2017/07/moro-diz-que-viagem-de-bendine-europa-nao-foi-o-unico-motivo-de-prisao.html
@JB
Jul 31st, 2017 - 11:50 pm - Link - Report abuse 0No one is truly objective about politics though, are they? Besides the fact people can't even agree on what is good, it's not so obvious how much power governments really have. If the economy goes up, is it due to government policies or the commodities boom? If the economy goes down, is it due to China buying less, or recession in a neighbouring country, or is the government using the wrong policies? And if so which ones?
There are always so many different factors that people can pick out the ones they want to believe are important, and ignore the rest.
I am sure Lula's supporters would say he did more good than harm, if they even admit he did any harm. And they could justify it in some way, even if it's not convincing to you.
As for Brexit, in some ways it was more complicated - most people did not know much about it nor understand the implications at all - and in others simpler. It's just one decision, whereas in voting for a person or party they may have some policies you like and others you disagree with. The oddest thing about Brexit was and is seeing right-wingers dismissing the opinions of businessmen and the importance of the economy, and left-wingers supporting it. I guess both sides are willing to sacrifice some economic growth, but in exchange for different things.
REF: “Ex Petrobras and Banco do Brasil CEO, arrested on suspicion of bribes”:
Aug 01st, 2017 - 11:21 am - Link - Report abuse 0Suspicion ONLY?
Then what about THIS guy?:
https://www.humorpolitico.com.br/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/00rs0728crs-768x498.jpg
@Imoyaro
Aug 01st, 2017 - 08:57 pm - Link - Report abuse +1Its a painting (by Rafael Falco,1951) of ‘Tiradentes’, or Joaquim José da Silva Xavier, a martyr ‘n national hero, who fought for Brazil’s independence, and hanged April 21, 1792.
Had several professions, but best known as a dentist, hence the nickname “Tira-dentes”. The painting depicts him in front of the executioner, and it currently hangs in Congress.
@DT
Being objective in politics may not be easy, due to the emotions it stirs up, but consistently ignoring reality is only explained by 'stupid'. In 2004, the global economic boom did wonders for Brazil - the demand and price of commodities had nothing to do with government policy, and even then Brazil didn’t know how to take advantage of the favourable conditions. While Lula’s foolish foreign trade policy allowed the US & Europe to slip away (he claimed Bzl was ‘too’ dependent on them ?), he wasted time and money trying to develop trade with countries that had little or zero to offer…exporters realized this, but Lula insisted. That’s why I say the PT’s policies, based on ideology i/o sound trade, prevented Brazil from benefiting from it as it could have. The ‘bolsa família’ is the eternal example used for the ‘good’ Lula did…let’s see : he made it easier for people to qualify, ‘n increased the number of recipients - and that was it. Instead of using it correctly, as temporary help to get over a rough patch, it became an end in itself (votes) - so when the crisis appeared (2013), most people who received it – as I’ve already said - returned to where they were 10 years ago…What good’s that ?
The arguments used by PT supporters don’t stand up to objective scrutiny, but are swallowed hook, line and sinker by the masses.
Few people were able to understand the full Brexit implications before the vote, the one ‘n only chance to get it right or wrong. With politicians, you have their history to go on. But when mainly economic issues/ decisions are mixed up with ideology, the outcome may be hard to discern.
Thanks Jack, that's exactly what I wanted to know. I figured the presence of the the priest indicated a grave situation...
Aug 02nd, 2017 - 01:23 am - Link - Report abuse 0Excuses & solutions are many - TOO MANY:
Aug 02nd, 2017 - 09:59 am - Link - Report abuse 0https://www.humorpolitico.com.br/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Mais-Impostos.jpg
@JB
Aug 02nd, 2017 - 02:53 pm - Link - Report abuse 0That's interesting about the painting; I was wondering too after imoyaro asked. I've never heard of this guy before. Wikipedia says one of the group betrayed the plan to the authorities in exchange for waiving his taxes, what a crappy reason!
If we are trying to be objective, which countries does Brazil export less to due to Lula's policies, and by how much? According to The Brazil Business, the top five destinations for Brazilian products in 2012 were China (41.2%), USA (26.7%), Argentina, Netherlands, and Japan. It also goes on to mention that CFK's protectionist policies reduced trade between the Brazil and Argentina, despite them both being in Mercosur. That seems extremely foolish and contrary to both leader's declared aims, but it's not Lula's fault.
From what I have read Lula introduced other policies besides the bolsa familia, such as providing more doctors, subsidised housing, and grants to allow poor students to go to university. Do you know if there are any studies on the effects of these?
Also, you said that Lula's intention was to strengthen his party to make it a virtual dictatorship. Do you have any evidence of that? He certainly doesn't seem to have been too successful, compare the situation in VZ where Maduro can use the supreme court to suspend the powers of the Legislative Assembly, to Brazil where Rousseff was impeached but the courts have let Temer off once already.
As for the Fôro de São Paulo, they seem to have the same attitude as many people of all viewpoints: that they know better what is good for people, than those people do themselves. I find it disappointing that they support Maduro though. Having been on the opposite end of things so many times in the past, they really ought to know better. It would be wise for everyone to remember that what goes around comes around, and although you may support eg Rousseff's impeachment and replacement by Temer, next time it may be someone you support being replaced without an election.
Who can lose: https://www.humorpolitico.com.br/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Deputados-do-Temer.jpg
Aug 02nd, 2017 - 05:21 pm - Link - Report abuse 0@DT
Aug 02nd, 2017 - 09:29 pm - Link - Report abuse 0OK..Bzln exports to the US, historically Bzl’s largest trading partner. In theory, his plans were to increase exports worldwide, but by the dozens of countries he visited with trade delegations, it was clear the US was no longer a priority. In 2002, exports to the US were USD15 billion; 2003,16.7 billion; 2004, 20 billion; in 2008, 27 billion; 2009, 15 billion; 2010, 19 billion; 2011, 25 billion. From 2002 to 2009, an increase of 1.4% ; fm 2008 to 2010, a drop of 29.6%. Given the 2008 crisis, the drop is, at first glance, justifiable. But compared to the increase of exports to other countries, in the 2000-2011 period, not really…to China, 3,984% ; to India, 1,374% ; S.Korea, 709 %; Argentina, 264% ; US last, 95%. The 'type' of exports - and imports - during that period further demonstrates the negative outcome for Bzl. Commodity exports (w/o aggregate value), in 2010 were 51% of all Brazilian exports. The volume of manufactured goods exports (w/ aggregate value) declined, at the same time that cheap, unnecessary Chinese exports to Brazil, killed off important industrial sectors e.g., footwear, textiles, hand-tools. Thousands of jobs were lost overnight. Becoming dependent on commodities was shortsighted. Lula opened many useless Embassies in Africa, where there was little to be gained. In 2005, Brazil started losing its global market share in every sector, except in commodities. Mercosur is not even worthwhile commenting on… Education scholarships : ok, give him that, but in 2014, the govt ran out of money, leaving hundreds of thousands “school-less”. Temer had to fix it. Subsidized housing : not created by Lula, but his programs had much the same outcome. His attempt to become the all-powerful, isn’t all the thievery sufficient evidence ? the Foro de Sao Paulo ? his 'hate' speeches at rallies and his various attempts to curb the press ? Dilma was impeached because she screwed Bzl, and Temer was only saved so that she wouldn’t lose her political rights.
@JB
Aug 02nd, 2017 - 10:42 pm - Link - Report abuse 0If the US was Brazil's biggest trading partner there may not have been much scope for increasing exports. And all those vast increases in exports to other countries certainly don't seem like a bad thing! However, I agree with you that relying on commodity exports is a dangerous policy. Do you think Brazil should have introduced tariffs to protect the important industrial sectors? Or done what?
I think Mercosur is worth commenting on, because it was created to be a free trade zone, but it hasn't been functioning as such. Perhaps if it was, it might do more good for the countries involved, like the Pacific Alliance has.
“His attempt to become the all-powerful, isn’t all the thievery sufficient evidence ? the Foro de Sao Paulo ? his 'hate' speeches at rallies and his various attempts to curb the press ?”
The thievery, if it's true, shows only that he wanted to become rich. And I don't know anything about his speeches at rallies or attempts to curb the press. What sort of things did he do?
“Temer was only saved so that she wouldn’t lose her political rights.”
I don't believe that. The chief judge Gilmar Mendes said “We cannot be changing the president of the Republic all the time, even if the people want to,” according to the press.
DT
Aug 03rd, 2017 - 03:26 am - Link - Report abuse 0The US always imported bzln manufactured goods, which had/have a fairly good reputation. To break away from the sluggish growth, exporters were pushing govt to finalize the bilateral trade agreement with the US, but Lula’s Chief trade commissioner, ideologically opposed to the US, wasn’t in a rush; and this would demand reciprocity, something which clashed with Brazil’s traditional protectionist policies (non-tariff barriers and high import taxes).
Re China, Brazil could have imposed a small tariff on the cheap goods - not a ban - just enough to offset the Chinese low wage policy...'n avoid flooding the market with goods already produced locally. But buying billions in commodities, China held the upper hand . Protected industry leads to expensive, obsolete goods, and deprives the consumer of options.
The Mercosur agreement would be miles better if the rules were followed and all tariffs removed, but as it is, it’s still plagued by import restrictions and taxes that should not exist...not to mention that it's become a political stage for disgruntled presidents. That’s why I criticize it.
At political rallies, Lula literally starts frothing at the mouth while preaching “power to the masses”, by any means, and at any cost…he and the PT are the instigators of the illegal social movements (MST, etc) using them as their private army, when convenient, to disrupt the peace and pressure the authorities .He tried several times, unsuccessfully, to pass laws to curb the press’ freedom, for ex., Lula tried to expel journalist Glen Greenwald for reporting that he was a habitual drunk, with photos to prove it - the supreme court said 'no', as Greenwald was married to a Brazilian woman...every time the press published something negative abt him, he tried to get Congress to buy his fight.
I agree with Gilmar Mendes’ opinion, but the court (TSE) was also being pressured by the PT coalition to save Dilma, which would inevitably get Temer off the hook as well.
Long Live DEMOCRACY:
Aug 03rd, 2017 - 09:20 am - Link - Report abuse 0https://www.humorpolitico.com.br/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Temer-compra-deputados-768x563.jpg
@JB
Aug 05th, 2017 - 11:41 pm - Link - Report abuse 0I don't know there were any plans for a free trade agreement between Brazil and the USA. How far did they get? Also if Brazil traditionally has protectionist policies wouldn't that mean there were already import taxes on the Chinese goods?
I think you actually agree with EM on something, he was complaining about cheap imports killing off domestic manufacturing in Argentina. But no doubt you are right that Lula didn't want to endanger the billions in commodity exports. That must be a difficult decision for anyone to make.
I know Macri is currently trying to improve Argentina's economy and trade balance by increasing Agri-exports and oil extraction. Do you think it would be a mistake for Argentina to rely too much on these?
Mercosur is meant to increase trade between the countries involved, which AFAIK is something these left-wing leaders are supposed to favour. So I don't understand why they didn't do more with it really. I guess Argentina and Brazil are in some ways competitors though.
Interesting that Lula tried to expel Glenn Greenwald as he seems to be mostly on Lula's side now. He even agrees with EM that we are seeing the elite taking back power and trying to take money away from the poor. Another thing he said was that the PT are no longer protesting as much about what is happening, because they also want the investigations to stop.
DT
Aug 06th, 2017 - 10:43 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Brazil /US never got around to signing a FTA; Bzl’s protectionist policies didn't help and the Mercosul agreemt got in the way. The idea of free-trade in SA only came about in the 90’s, after the Cold War had already shaped many countries trade policies..all wanted to sell, but not to buy…but a one-way street doesn’t work. Then Bzl, Arg, Urug and Pguay signed the Mercosul treaty in ‘91, and that tied Brazil’s hands. Any FTA with the US would need to be negotiated by the group, as a whole, not individually. Uruguay actually signed an investment / trade agreement of sorts, with the US, in 2007, and the other MS members all complained. With the beginning of the end of the commodity boom, and under pressure from lackluster performance of the domestic economy in 2010/12, Dilma signaled Brazil’s “aspiration” for an FTA, but did little more than that…in 2011, Bzl / US signed a few very specific sectorial agreements, and it soon became evident that the 2 countries trade norms were so different, that Brazil would have to overhaul hers in order to comply with the US’s regulations in order for these norms to converge...the cost to bzln exporters to comply with such technical norms already generated high costs. So basically, while other countries were free to negotiate – like Colombia, Peru and Chile - Brazil sat on the sideline, giving preference to Mercosul. Bzl farted around, signing memos and committing herself to look into areas of common interest…If the Mercosul members can’t see eye-to-eye, how to negotiate with the US, as a block ?
Brazil was dependent on China and wasn’t ready to rock the boat.
Nothing wrong with Macri pushing agriculture and oil exports… but he must develop other sectors, to ensure a healthy mix.
Sure the left-wingers favor regional integration, both economic, AND political…problem is there is a lot they can't agree on.
The PT is up to its neck in corruption, good reason for it too, to keep quiet and to block the 'lavajato investigation.
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