International press highlights Master Bank case nearing Lula government after Wagner probe

The inclusion of Senator Jaques Wagner, the government's leader in the Senate and a prominent ally of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, in the ninth phase of Operation Compliance Zero has drawn significant attention from international press. Media outlets have emphasized the growing proximity of the Master Bank case investigations to Lula's administration, suggesting it could influence the upcoming October elections.

Reuters described the Master scandal as a "snowball" of corruption engulfing more political figures, noting the long-standing relationship between Lula and Wagner, which includes past ministerial roles and Wagner's governorship of Bahia. Al Jazeera reported that the bank fraud has affected "both sides of the Brazilian political spectrum" and could impact the elections. The outlet also recalled reports of Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, a key opponent of Lula, requesting funds from the Master Bank owner for a film about his father's political career.

In Argentina, the newspaper Clarín highlighted how Wagner's investigation brings the scandal closer to the federal government, particularly as Lula seeks re-election. The report noted Lula's promise to investigate the case "to the last consequences" after admitting to meeting with Daniel Vorcaro, the bank's owner. The crisis originated after the liquidation of Banco Master and has evolved into an inquiry into connections between Vorcaro and various authorities. Clarín also pointed out the case's effect on Flávio Bolsonaro's campaign, with the senator reportedly losing poll points following revelations about the film's financing.

Bloomberg reported that allies of President Lula, including Finance Minister Dario Durigan and the national president of the Workers' Party (PT), Edinho Silva, have publicly defended Jaques Wagner. They acknowledge that it has become more difficult to exclusively associate the scandal with political adversaries now that figures linked to the government are involved. The Associated Press also noted that investigations into the Master Bank case are increasingly drawing attention to the government.

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Lula, who admitted to meeting Vorcaro in 2024, promised that the case would be investigated 'to the last consequences'.