In his talk to the nation, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva declared that those involved in corruption should be punished always and in an exemplary manner.
“It does not matter who he is or where he comes from; if he is an ally or an enemy,” declared the President.
Lula went on to say that a “broad investigation” is underway by the Federal Police, together with a Parliamentary Investigation Commission in Congress, investigating charges of scandal at the Post Office – Correios – involving kickbacks supposedly commanded by a political party, the PTB.
“Very, very soon, for the good of Brazil, these investigations will separate the tares from the wheat, the good from the bad, the truth from the lies,” said Lula.
The President said he could promise two things: punishment for those found guilty and continued combat against malfeasance.
“I promise you that if someone stepped out of line I will use the full force of the law against them,” he declared.
“And I also promise you that while I am President of Brazil all the agencies of government, the ministries, the Federal Police and our democratic institutions will always be ready to investigate charges of wrongdoings and, when necessary, to punish the guilty,” said Lula.
Lula called on the country to avoid reducing everything to the lowest common denominator. He said the country was “mature enough to correct its errors.”
And he pointed out that the press was important in this process. “Happy the country with a free and democratic press that oversees and investigates everything. I am one of those people who believe that the truth will come out, sooner or later,” he concluded.
ABR – www.radiobras.gov.br