Cunha calls PF operation political, denies evidence of wrongdoing

Former Speaker of the House Eduardo Cunha has declared that the Federal Police's investigation into his alleged illicit interference in directing amendments is a political operation. Speaking to Folha on Monday, Cunha denied any involvement in supposed diversions of funds. "I received the suggestions [for amendments], forwarded them to the party, and then the party decided to adopt them through the party leader [at the time, Gilberto Abramo], who happens to be a congressman from Minas Gerais. That's how it happened," he stated.

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I received the suggestions [of amendments], forwarded them to the party and then the party decided to adopt them through the leader of the caucus [at the time, Gilberto Abramo], who happens to be a congressman from Minas Gerais. That's how it happened.

The Federal Police investigation resulted in the blocking of R$ 6.1 million from Cunha, ordered by Supreme Court Minister Flávio Dino. This decision, made on July 6 but made public on Sunday, July 12, was described by Cunha as a "political pamphlet." He asserted, "It was a political operation by the Federal Police. I have no doubt. And the Public Prosecutor's Office did not adopt it, did not agree. It was against the opinion of the Public Prosecutor's Office," referring to the PGR's opposition to Dino's measures.

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It was a political operation by the Federal Police. I have no doubt. And the Public Prosecutor's Office did not adopt it, did not agree. It was against the opinion of the Public Prosecutor's Office.

Cunha, who is a pre-candidate for congressman in Minas Gerais, argued that the practice of suggesting resource allocations to municipalities is common. He claimed to have received "much more" guidance than what was actually followed, but maintained he had no control over the disbursement of funds. "Every mayor comes, looks for me, and asks. I have about a hundred mayors asking me. Mayors ask for everything. Council members ask for everything," he said, noting that Minas Gerais has over 800 municipalities.

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Every mayor comes, looks for me, and asks. I have about a hundred mayors asking me. Mayors ask for everything. Council members ask for everything.

He further denied being the beneficiary of any irregular transfers, stating the goal of these arrangements in Minas Gerais is to support the party and its candidacies in the state. "I have people who will vote for me that I am turning into candidates to increase the ticket," he affirmed. Cunha's lawyers have requested access to the case documents at the Supreme Court and plan to appeal Dino's decision, asserting that he does not possess the blocked amount. "I am absolutely sure that this blockade will not persist. After all, no crime has been committed there, there is nothing. We will show that this is nothing, it's not the first time this has happened. We are used to it," he declared.

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I am absolutely sure that this blockade will not persist. After all, no crime has been committed there, there is nothing. We will show that this is nothing, it's not the first time this has happened. We are used to it.