Ex-Lula Aide Admits Paying $249,000 to Settle Loan with Investigated Lobbyist

Marco Aurélio Santana Ribeiro, former chief of staff to Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, has admitted to paying R$ 249,000 (approximately $48,000 USD) to settle a personal loan with lobbyist Roberta Luchsinger. Luchsinger is currently under federal investigation for alleged influence peddling in connection with Fábio Luís Lula da Silva, the president's son, also known as Lulinha.

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First of all, my banking and fiscal records are fully available to the Justice system. I do this to make it clear and public that there was never anything other than the personal loan I obtained from her, paid with the bank transfer of R$ 249,000 – a transaction of a strictly private nature.

Ribeiro, known as Marcola, initially acknowledged the loan and later issued a statement clarifying that the transaction was strictly private. He emphasized his willingness to cooperate with the justice system, offering full access to his banking and fiscal records. He did not specify the reason for taking out the loan from Luchsinger.

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I have already retained a lawyer and instructed him to use all documents to clarify the facts.

President Lula has reportedly asked his former chief of staff for a detailed explanation of the loan. Despite the situation, Lula has expressed confidence in Ribeiro's integrity. Ribeiro left his government post on July 21 to join the president's campaign team and has hired a lawyer to manage the case.

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I have always guided my public actions with ethics, commitment, and transparency. To those who present speculations and inferences, I respond with facts, documents, and my full willingness and tranquility to collaborate with the Justice.