Banco Master Probe Deepens Rift Between Lula’s Government and the Centrao
A new poll signals growing distrust across politics despite low awareness of the operation against Senator Ciro Nogueira.
Overview
- The Federal Police raid that targeted Senator Ciro Nogueira last Thursday has strained ties between the Planalto and the Centrao.
- Opposition lawmakers push for a congressional inquiry into Banco Master, while Centrao and Senate leaders resist creating the committee.
- Ciro denies wrongdoing and on Tuesday refiled a plan to raise Brazil’s deposit insurance cap to R$1 million, a measure investigators tie to Banco Master.
- Investigators say Ciro received monthly payments of R$300,000 to R$500,000 and other perks from ex-banker Daniel Vorcaro in exchange for backing the so‑called Emenda Master.
- A Genial/Quaest survey conducted May 8–11 finds 54% unaware of the probe into Ciro and shows a rise to 46% in those who think the scandal taints all politicians.