Congressional Bloc Stalls Banco Master Inquiries as Vorcaro Hearing Slips to Feb. 26

Overview

• Members of the INSS CPI struck a cross‑party agreement that removed from the agenda votes to break the bank secrecy of Banco Master, ex‑partner Augusto Lima and Credcesta, as well as figures linked to allies of Lula and Bolsonaro.
• Daniel Vorcaro’s appearance at the INSS CPI was postponed to February 26 under terms limiting questions to improper INSS deductions, with his right to remain silent on other topics preserved and a warning of coercive escort if he skips the session.
• Senator Alessandro Vieira said the Crime Organized CPI will examine the Master case, pressed for transparency on reported links to Supreme Court figures, and criticized the PGR’s limited attention to the matter.
• Political leaders have leaned on timing and quorum arguments tied to the Carnival calendar to delay or resist new inquiries, reflecting a broader push to contain congressional scrutiny.
• A federal deputy formally requested detailed explanations from the Casa Civil about an off‑agenda 2024 Planalto meeting involving President Lula, Daniel Vorcaro and Guido Mantega, seeking records of access and purpose of the encounter.