Fernando Haddad accuses Tarcísio de Freitas of receiving Banco Master funds

During a campaign event in São José do Rio Preto, PT candidate for the São Paulo governorship, Fernando Haddad, launched several attacks against incumbent Governor Tarcísio de Freitas. Haddad accused Tarcísio of receiving R$ 2 million from Banco Master for his 2022 election campaign, citing a donation made by Fabiano Zettel, the brother-in-law of investigated businessman Daniel Vorcaro. Haddad characterized the bank and its connections as a ‘mafia’ that developed during the Bolsonaro administration.

In addition to the corruption allegations, Haddad criticized the fiscal management of the state, claiming that São Paulo’s cash reserves have dropped from R$ 22 billion at the start of the current administration to R$ 5 billion, leaving the state facing a budget deficit. He also pointed to declines in public education rankings and increased wait times in the Unified Health System (SUS) as evidence of mismanagement.

Tarcísio de Freitas has dismissed the allegations regarding Banco Master as ‘ridiculous,’ maintaining that the state’s credit services were established prior to his mandate and denying any improper favoritism. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva also participated in the event, reinforcing support for Haddad and criticizing the current administration's performance.