The President of the National Congress, Davi Alcolumbre (União-AP), declined requests from lawmakers this Thursday, May 21, to formally read the requirements for the establishment of a Parliamentary Inquiry Commission (CPI) into Banco Master. The refusal occurred during a joint session of Congress, which Alcolumbre stated was prioritized for the analysis of presidential vetoes.
Procedural Discretion and Parliamentary Tension
In justifying his decision, Alcolumbre maintained that the timing for reading such requests rests with the presidency of the legislative body. He stated, “Requerimentos de leituras de matérias devem ser objeto de despacho da presidência. Portanto, o momento da leitura é um ato discricionário da presidência da mesa do Congresso Nacional.”
The push for the inquiry has become a focal point of political friction, particularly involving Senator Flávio Bolsonaro (PL). The senator, who is a pre-candidate for the presidency, has faced mounting pressure regarding his interactions with Daniel Vorcaro, the owner of Banco Master. The controversy surrounding these communications has placed his pre-campaign in a state of visible instability.
Implications of the Standoff
During the session, Deputy Lindbergh Farias (PT-RJ) challenged Senator Bolsonaro to address his ties to Vorcaro directly from the podium. Farias questioned the nature of the senator’s contact with the bank owner, specifically referencing a meeting held shortly after Vorcaro had been released from prison while wearing an electronic monitoring device.

Looking ahead, the failure to read the request could lead to further protests from opposition members who view the inquiry as a critical necessity. The legislative impasse will persist as long as the presidency of the Congress maintains its focus on the current agenda of presidential vetoes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Davi Alcolumbre refuse to read the request for the CPI?
Alcolumbre stated that the joint session was prioritized for the analysis of vetoes from President Lula and argued that the timing of reading such requests is a discretionary act of the presidency.
What is the primary point of contention regarding the Banco Master inquiry?
The inquiry seeks to investigate the bank, with specific focus on the relationship between Senator Flávio Bolsonaro and the bank’s owner, Daniel Vorcaro, and alleged large-scale investments of public pension funds into the institution.
What is the current status of Flávio Bolsonaro’s pre-campaign?
His pre-campaign for the presidency is described as being in a state of crisis following the revelation of his conversations with Daniel Vorcaro.
Do you believe that the procedural authority of a legislative presiding officer should be limited when a significant number of parliamentarians demand an investigation?
