Brasilia, Brazil
A massive bribery scandal reached the office of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva this week, when Lula’s onetime closest aide was ordered to stand trial for allegedly making payoffs. Former presidential chief of staff José Dirceu is accused of giving bribes to members of minority parties to support Lula’s Workers Party in the national assembly. At least 40 people have been charged in the case, including several Workers Party members. Brazilian political analysts say the scandal, which has been brewing since 2005, could bring down Lula’s government.
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