The vacancy at Brazil's Court of Accounts left by Aroldo Cedraz in February has sparked an intense political dispute. Elmar Nascimento leveraged Ciro Nogueira's birthday party to seek support, while PT's Odair Cunha gains momentum with Hugo Motta's backing. Concerns arise amid investigations involving one of the candidates.
On Thursday, June 20, Ciro Nogueira's birthday party from PP-PI in São Paulo became a hub for major political maneuvering. Elmar Nascimento, a União-BA congressman, mingled at the event as an openly declared candidate for the Court of Accounts (TCU) vacancy, aiming to solidify his position among centrão leaders. The spot will open in February 2025 due to Minister Aroldo Cedraz's compulsory retirement.
Nascimento's push has raised alarms among lawmakers, as it aligns with reports that Beto Louco—flagged in the Carbono Oculto operation as a PCC operator in money-laundering schemes—may soon provide testimony against officials. Nascimento is listed in an ANAC report for using an aircraft connected to União Brasil's national president Antônio Rueda, run by the same firm that flew Beto Louco, according to UOL and ICL details.
Meanwhile, the race has heated up with PT nominee Odair Cunha ramping up his efforts and relying on strong backing from Hugo Motta. This partnership stems from a deal struck by Arthur Lira with the PT during Motta's election as Chamber of Deputies president. The contest highlights the intricate deal-making in Congress, where centrão endorsements and party pacts shape key appointments to oversight bodies.