Lula: My Son Must Defend Himself, No One Is Above the Law

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has asserted that his eldest son, Fábio Luís Lula da Silva, widely known as Lulinha, must face any investigations and defend himself if accused of misconduct. Speaking on Sunday, Lula stressed that "everyone is obliged to act correctly" and that "if someone is acting wrongly, that someone must be investigated."

"This applies to my son, it applies to anyone. No one is [above the law] if they commit a mistake," Lula stated during an interview with Record TV. He further emphasized the autonomy of the Federal Police (PF) to conduct its investigations without interference, a point he highlighted as a key difference from the previous administration.

Lula's son has been implicated as an indirect beneficiary in dealings involving lobbyist Roberta Luchsinger, who allegedly sought political contacts to facilitate the sale of a medication to the federal government. The President reiterated his commitment to transparency and due process, saying, "I am not a president who tries to prohibit investigation. I do not threaten to fire ministers. I do not threaten to punish delegates. Investigate. And everyone has the right to prove their innocence. If that happens, they will be forgiven."

The strategy from Lula's Workers' Party (PT) centers on showcasing the PF's freedom under the current government, drawing a contrast with the administration of former President Jair Bolsonaro. Bolsonaro faced numerous accusations of interfering with investigations to shield his own children, including Senator Flávio Bolsonaro. Lula added, "If someone made a mistake and that mistake caused damage to public coffers, those people will have to pay. [...] My son knows if he made a mistake; he will be judged, punished, or acquitted. But he has to prove his innocence."

Beyond Lulinha, the scandal also touches the presidential palace. Marco Aurélio Ribeiro, known as Marcola and Lula's former chief of staff, is also under investigation by the PF. He is suspected of receiving undue advantages, including financial benefits, to assist Luchsinger. Marcola, who handled communications for Lula, reportedly received R$ 249,000 from Luchsinger, which he described as a personal loan. He left his position at the Planalto Palace in June to join Lula's campaign but stepped down after the PF's investigations became public. Recent reports revealed that Luchsinger paid R$ 217,000 for Marcola's credit card bills, vehicle financing, and other expenses, which Marcola denies receiving, stating he did not proceed with a contract draft sent by Luchsinger.