Sept 2007 "Mensalao" Affair
Mensalao = Big Monthly Allowance Scandal
The biggest corruption scandal in Brazil's recent history
Photo obtained from www.upi.com
- This scandal involved an illegal vote-buying scheme to buy support for voting in line with the Worker's Party (PT) in support of President Luiz Lula. A reported $13,000 per month was paid to lawmakers.
The President's Chief of Staff, Jose Dirceu was indicted with corruption charges. It has been reported that the President was not personally involved, however, the scandal has definitely held up the President's efforts to push through important legislation and key reforms.
Source - BBC News Article from Sept. 2007 http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/4676435.stm
