Legislative investigations launched in Brazilian municipalities

Two separate investigations involving municipal legislative bodies have been initiated in Brazil.

In Araucária, the City Council has accepted a complaint against Vice-Mayor Tatiana Assuiti. A processing commission has been formed to investigate allegations of undue interference in legislative activities. The complaint, filed by Cláudio de Lima Saião, stems from a September 29 session regarding municipal pension discussions, where Assuiti allegedly demanded the interruption of proceedings. The process could result in the removal of her mandate if the accusations are proven.

In Laguna, Santa Catarina, the President of the City Council, Vitor Elíbio Oliveira, has been removed from his duties following a Civil Police operation named ‘Pactum Turpe’. The investigation explores allegations of vote-buying intended to block a Parliamentary Inquiry Commission (CPI). The CPI was aimed at investigating a potential R$ 14 million loss in asphalt paving contracts, which reportedly increased from R$ 39.6 million to R$ 51.2 million through improper adjustments and contract additives.