INSS hearings begin today, with pro-Lula camp trying to recover ground

A congressional inquiry into fraud at Brazil’s National Social Security Institute (INSS) effectively began today. It will investigate a sprawling scheme in which retirees saw money irregularly deducted from their pensions, often embezzled by associations charging bogus fees. The scheme could have affected at least 3 million pensioners.

Last week, the pro-government caucus botched its strategy to control the inquiry and prevent it from becoming a political stage to the opposition. But hubris and political incompetence allowed the opposition to elect the committee chairperson and rapporteur — the two positions that can control the proceedings.