Rapporteur of the INSS CPI, Deputy Ricardo Ayres (Republicans-TO) stated that he will adopt a position equilibrium in conducting the work, without protecting even one side. In an interview with GLOBOthe parliamentarian said the calls will involve “everyone” and do not rule out the possibility that President Lula’s brother, José Ferreira da Silva, known as Friar Chico, to be urged to explain Congress.
Frei Chico is vice president of the National Union of Retirees, Pensioners and Elderly (Sindnapi), one of the entities cited as involved in the scheme that diverted retirees through undue discounts on their benefits.
You are ally of the mayor, Hugo Motta, who asked him to take over the rapporteur. Did he give any guidance on how to conduct the work?
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No. It just asked me to do the work with responsibility and balance, together with the committee chairman, Senator Omar Aziz (PSD-AM). No guidance beyond that.
There is already a judicial investigation in progress. What can CPI bring differently?
We are based on the operation without discount and the CGU audit, but we are not stuck to them. We can go further, raise new evidence and even identify failures in these investigations. I also consider it important to include the analysis of payroll loans. At first, we will hear technical bodies like CGU and INSS to understand the mechanisms of fraud.
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Do you intend to summon Lula’s brother to testify?
The CPI is collegiate, and it will be the majority that will decide who will be summoned. Who is quoted, will certainly be called to provide clarification. But let’s not pre-judge anyone. We expect the installation of the CPI to think about the work plan, but everyone will be summoned.
The CPI arises in the midst of strong polarization: government and opposition exchange accusations of who would be responsible. How to deal with it?
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In fact, both sides have some reason. Since 2019 there has been a climb of improper discounts, with fewer control instruments. Our focus is not on investigating people, but facts. And the facts can lead to people, regardless of the party or the government. There is a criminal scheme against the poor, and we cannot protect anyone.
Since being chosen rapporteur, have you been pressured on the other hand?
No. So far, only isolated manifestations on social networks. Nothing that interferes with my independence.
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The opposition has criticized his choice, with the argument that was lacking dialogue with Motta. How do you see this posture?
I already talked to Senator Damares (Alves of Republicans), one of the authors of the application (CPI’s creation), and I will look for Mrs Coronel Fernanda (PL-MT), also author. I am open to dialogue with everyone. Everyone who has arrived here has legitimacy and will be respected.
Do you consider yourself government or opposition?
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I consider myself independent. I am very proud to be from Republicans, but I work in a balanced way. I have already voted against the government on some topics, such as IOF and Environmental Licensing, but I also voted against the right on guidelines such as the temporal framework. I have institutional relationship with the federal government to serve my state, Tocantins, but I am not base.
What is your evaluation of the Lula administration in this third term?
I think it left something to be desired. It could do more. Economic conditions and ideological intensification make it difficult, but do not justify everything. The House has approved the main government guidelines, such as the tax reform and the fiscal package. Therefore, it does not make the idea that Congress is against the government.
What did you think of Eduardo Bolsonaro’s stance in the United States?
I consider it absurd, unprecedented. I defend freedom of expression, but there are limits: the defense of democracy, the republic and true patriotism. Wearing the flag of another country against national interests exceeds this limit.
And the arrest of former President Bolsonaro, how do you evaluate?
It is a theme of the judiciary. Personally, I think there was exaggerations in some penalties. This can be corrected by changes in the Penal Code, but it is not up to the Chamber to judge.
Should Republicans support Lula in 2026?
It is a party decision. Today, the big name of Republicans is Governor Tarcisio de Freitas, who makes an excellent government. The question is whether he will give up reelection in Sao Paulo to run for presidency, which is a big dilemma. It is still early to define.
