Novo party requests investigation into Senator Jaques Wagner at Ethics Council

Brazil's Novo party has filed a representation with the Senate's Ethics Council, requesting an investigation into Senator Jaques Wagner (PT-BA) for alleged breaches of decorum. The complaint aims to determine if Wagner's actions warrant the potential loss of his mandate. Novo's action follows revelations from Federal Police documents indicating that Wagner, formerly the government leader in the Senate, had at least 74 phone conversations with Augusto Lima, the ex-partner of Daniel Vorcaro. The documents also suggest Wagner received gifts, used private jets, and arranged a meeting with executives from Banco Master in his office. The party contends that these facts justify initiating an ethical proceeding in the Senate, irrespective of any criminal investigation. However, the Ethics Council has not yet been established in the current legislative session, and its installation depends on Senate President Davi Alcolumbre. "It is urgent that the Ethics Council be installed so that representations can be processed, oversight can occur, and senators can fully exercise their constitutional role," stated Senator Eduardo Girão. Supreme Federal Court (STF) Minister André Mendonça has authorized access to the senator's phone records and approximate location monitoring for devices linked to Wagner and other individuals under investigation. Novo considers this measure invasive and exceptional but notes it "evidences the gravity of the risks identified by the STF itself." The party asserts that the investigation is crucial for safeguarding the Senate's credibility and institutional authority. Consequently, they are requesting the initiation of disciplinary proceedings, the requisition of investigative documents, evidence production, and the senator's testimony.

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It is urgent that the Ethics Council be installed so that representations can be processed, oversight can occur, and senators can fully exercise their constitutional role.