SAO PAULO — A prominent Brazilian senator and close political ally of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has stepped down from his role as the government’s leader in the Senate, adding new turbulence to the administration just months before a national election.
Senator Jaques Wagner announced his resignation on Wednesday through a post on the social media platform X. His exit marks another high-profile departure tied to a growing corruption investigation that has begun to reach into Brazil’s political establishment.
Brazilian authorities revealed last week that Wagner had come under formal investigation as part of a broader probe. The inquiry centers on allegations that Daniel Vorcaro, the owner of the now-defunct Banco Master, used his wealth and political connections to build influence among well-known politicians.
Wagner’s resignation is seen as a significant blow to Lula, raising fresh concerns about the administration’s political standing ahead of October’s election.
