Judged for abuse of economic power, improper use of the media and fundraising and illicit appeals, former candidate for the City of São Paulo will still have to pay a fine of R $ 240 thousand
The businessman and former candidate for the City of São Paulo, (PRTB), was convicted of for the second time, for abuse of economic power, improper use of the media and fundraising and illicit resource spending during the 2024 campaign. The decision determines that Marçal is ineligible for eight years and pay a fine of R $ 420 thousand for breach an injunction. The new conviction was signed by Judge Antonio Maria Patiño Zorz, from the 1st Electoral Zone of São Paulo.
Marçal can still appeal the decision. “This decision is temporary. We have fulfilled all legal requirements during the campaign. I trust in court and I am sure we will reverse,” said the former Coach, in a statement.
During the 2024 campaign, Marçal offered recordings of supporting videos to candidates for councilor who would donate via Pix in the amount of R $ 5,000 for his campaign, a practice considered illegal. In a video released at the time, the former candidate said, “Do you know someone who wants to be a councilman? If this person is good and wants a video of mine to help boost her campaign, will send a Pix of $ 5,000.”
In addition, the court identified that Marçal monetized voters who publicized excerpts from their videos and paid employees to boost their candidacy on social networks and streaming platforms, such as – where their community remained active even after the suspension of their profiles on other networks. Failure to comply with the decision determining the suspension of these activities resulted in a fine of R $ 420 thousand, for 42 days of violation, with a daily fine of R $ 10,000.
In March 2024, Marçal had already been convicted of the same reasons and made ineligible by 2032. The actions were filed by the Brazilian Socialist Party (PSB), the Federal Deputy (PSB-SP), and by the federal deputy (PSOL-SP), his opponents in the electoral race. The Electoral Public Prosecution Service also accused Marçal of illicit fundraising and abuse of economic power. According to the prosecution, he would have promoted the co -opt for employees by promising financial gains to disseminate campaign content.
Representative Tabata Amaral said in a statement that the conviction proves the severity of the irregularities committed: “Since the beginning of the campaign, we warned that Marçal’s performance was not due to electoral merit, but to a campaign led illegally. We will follow firmly, without retreating.” PSB lawyer Hélio Silveira also commented on the decision: “Marçal has venited the elections and, therefore, now becomes ineligible.”
Posted by Felipe Dantas
*Report produced with the aid of AI
