Lula's ex-chief of staff asked lobbyist for 100,000 euro painting: 'And my painting?'

Marco Aurélio Santana Ribeiro, former chief of staff to Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, allegedly requested a painting valued at 100,000 euros from lobbyist Roberta Luchsinger. Luchsinger had reportedly paid R$217,000 in Ribeiro's personal expenses, a sum nearly triple the value of the requested artwork.

Ribeiro, known as Marcola, was dismissed from his government post in July following investigations into his conduct. He admitted to receiving the funds but claimed it was a personal loan that had been repaid, stating he settled a debt of R$249,000 with Luchsinger. However, conversations obtained by Estadão suggest a pattern of Luchsinger sending Ribeiro a list of business interests she sought to advance with the federal government, receiving in return a promise to discuss the matters by phone.

One exchange, dated December 19, 2024, shows Ribeiro asking, "And my painting?? Kkk." Luchsinger responded that it would be delivered the following week, while also discussing her business dealings with Swerdenberger Barbosa, the executive secretary of the Ministry of Health. She sent a photo of the painting, noting it was located at the Carrousel du Louvre in Paris, and stated it was being framed for delivery.

These revelations are part of ongoing Federal Police inquiries into suspected influence peddling by Luchsinger, allegedly involving Fabio Luís Lula da Silva, President Lula's eldest son. The investigation centers on whether Luchsinger used her connections to facilitate business interests in exchange for personal benefits for Ribeiro.

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