Brasília debate features accusations and demands over BRB crisis after Master case

Brasília's gubernatorial candidates clashed during a Sunday TV debate, with the crisis at BRB Bank dominating the discussion and leading to sharp exchanges. Incumbent Governor Celina Leão, vying for re-election with support from Flávio Bolsonaro, faced intense questioning regarding the bank's financial woes.

The BRB, controlled by the Federal District government, is grappling with a significant shortfall following its involvement with Banco Master. The bank is negotiating a R$6.6 billion loan from the Credit Guarantee Fund (FGC) to cover the deficit. Leão asserted she opposed the Master acquisition, which was orchestrated by the administration of Ibaneis Rocha, her former superior. "As vice-governor, I couldn't change the government's decision. [...] I am not responsible for Ibaneis's mistakes," she stated, positioning herself as independent from Rocha.

“

As vice-governor, I couldn't change the government's decision. [...] I am not responsible for Ibaneis's mistakes.

Candidates backed by President Lula, Leandro Grass (PT) and Ricardo Cappelli (PSB), along with former Governor José Roberto Arruda (PSD), pressed Leão on the bank's situation. Arruda questioned if the Lula administration could use the Constitutional Fund for the Center-West (FCO) to aid BRB, but Grass insisted that those responsible for the crisis should bear the cost. Cappelli criticized BRB's credibility and transparency, suggesting public servants would ultimately pay for austerity measures needed to secure the loan.

Beyond the bank crisis, public security and health services were also points of contention. Candidates allied with Lula jointly criticized Leão's administration. Cappelli, who was previously the federal intervener in the Federal District, accused Leão of shifting her political stance, noting her criticism of Rocha after serving as his vice. Kiko Caputo (Novo) emphasized that resolving the BRB issue should not come at the expense of public servants, while Paula Belmonte (PSDB) pledged to redirect bank sponsorships from international sports to local entrepreneurs if elected.

“

She was Ibaneis's vice, now she speaks ill of Ibaneis; she changes her skin with every election.