Government leader in the Senate was the target of an investigation into Banco Master; the expectation is that the senator will leave office
The president (PT) and the leader of the Government in the Senate, (PT-BA), have a meeting scheduled for this Wednesday (June 24, 2026). It will be the first personal contact between the two since June 18, when the senator was of the Federal Police about Banco Master.
Wagner’s fate is still uncertain. Although the assessment of people close to the government is that the president should not remove the senator from office, there is the expectation that Wagner will hand over leadership.
The meeting, whose time was not disclosed, is not on the politicians’ agendas. Jaques Wagner’s office does not confirm the meeting. On Tuesday afternoon (June 23), he said that the senator was in Bahia, with no plans to return to Brasília. Secom (Secretariat of Social Communication) also did not officially confirm the meeting.
SENATORS DISCUSS SUCCESSION
The government bench in the Senate has anticipated discussions about the senator’s succession in leadership. The exchange is considered difficult due to the closeness and level of trust between Wagner and Lula.
The senator (PT-PE), so far, is the most popular name to take over the position. There is an impasse because she is already leader of the PT in the Senate and, if she changes her position, the party must nominate someone else for the vacancy.
To the Poder360Leitão stated that “everything can only be resolved after the president takes a stand.”
Government members have already declared support for Wagner to withdraw from leadership. The deputy (PT-MG) said that the senator should “to dedicate himself to his defense, safeguarding the presumption of innocence”. The former Minister of Planning and Budget (PSB) supported the senator’s departure in to the Poder360.
“He should have already handed over his position. I speak as a lawyer, everyone has the right to full defense and contradictory proceedings, but he is the leader of the Government. In order not to expose the government itself, he must, obviously, in my opinion, ask for his removal. Even so that he can take care of his defense, and make the moves he deems pertinent”said Tebet.
TRUST IN LULA
The senator believe that Lula will keep him as leader of the Government in the Senate. He stated that he had spoken to the president shortly after the warrants were issued against him, on Thursday (June 18).
“I honestly think that he will not change my position due to the relationship we have and the trust he has in me. He made a point of calling me to express his solidarity.”, he declared in an interview with the television channel Band News.
PF TARGET
Jaques Wagner was the target of launched by the PF on June 18 to investigate the possible participation of public agents in an irregular scheme involving institutions in the national financial system. In addition to the senator, the businessmanowner of Banco Pleno and former partner of Banco Master, was one of the targets of the measures authorized by the Federal Supreme Court.
In total, they were issued of search and seizure in Bahia, São Paulo and the Federal District, in addition to precautionary measures, such as prohibition of contact between those being investigated and suspension of passports. According to the corporation, the facts discovered could constitute, in theory, the crimes of passive corruption, active corruption and money laundering.
OTHER SIDE
Read the full note from Jaques Wagner’s advisor sent to the press:
“Senator Jaques Wagner (PT-BA) clarifies that he is not a defendant, has not been denounced and has not been accused in any process related to the facts investigated. The parliamentarian calmly follows the progress of the investigations and maintains confidence in their conduct.
“It is worth clarifying that the aforementioned apartment was never part of the parliamentarian’s assets. The senator also denies acting in favor of Banco Master or any other financial institution.
“Regarding the cash values seized, the press office informs that the amount is the result of legal daily allowances, declared and not used in official international missions. Finally, Senator Jaques Wagner reiterates that he remains at the full disposal of the authorities to provide any clarifications, with the certainty that the truth will prevail.”
