Former federal deputy André Vargas, convicted in Operation Lava Jato, attended the inauguration of a Police Federal base in Maringá, Paraná, on Friday, March 27, alongside PT leaders. He holds the position of PT general secretary in the state and seeks to revive his political career with support from allies and the Lula government. Vargas denies injustice in his conviction and claims readiness to contribute in Parliament.
André Vargas, former vice-president of the Chamber of Deputies for PT-PR, was convicted in three criminal cases for passive corruption, money laundering, and criminal organization in Operation Lava Jato. He served more than three years in prison and describes the process as a "criminal ambush." "I was the victim of a criminal ambush. Even after going through difficult times, I feel ready to help my country in Parliament," he stated.
Currently serving as PT general secretary in Paraná, Vargas has increased his presence at public events, facilitated by the Lula government. On Friday, March 27, in Maringá in northwestern Paraná, he joined the inauguration of the Federal Police air base. He was accompanied by Gleisi Hoffmann, Zeca Dirceu, Enio Verri, and Mário Verri.
After the PF event, Vargas went to a Centro de Tradições Gaúchas (CTG), where he took part in the delivery of 27 new trucks for selective collection and Valorization Units for Recyclables (UVRs). This public appearance signals the start of efforts to rebuild his political path, with the PT position as the first step.
