Comptroller General becomes suspect after calling female senator “unstable” in Covid inquiry

Questioned by the Senate’s Covid inquiry this afternoon, Brazil’s Federal Comptroller General Wagner Rosário saw his status change from witness to suspect during a session that was cut short due to heated disagreements among senators. Upon being questioned by Senator Simone Tebet about receipts issued by Precisa Medicamentos in the sale of vaccines to the federal government, Mr. Rosário lost his temper and called Ms. Tebet “unstable,” which sparked the ire of several senators present, accusing the Comptroller General of acting in a sexist manner.

The deal between Precisa Medicamentos and the Health Ministry has been under scrutiny from the Covid inquiry for some time, due to containing several indications of fraud. Heads of the Senate’s hearings committee claim that the Comptroller General’s office omitted important information regarding the contract.

“I severely lament the disservice you are paying to the country and with public money. You are not the president’s lawyer, you are not the health minister’s lawyer. You act as an oversight and control agency, to provide transparency and fight corruption. We have a Comptroller General who simply lets things slide,” said Ms. Tebet, during Tuesday’s session.

Mr. Rosário replied, suggesting that Ms. Tebet should re-read the case records.

“Don’t do that. You can say that I spoke mistruths, but don’t ask me to read the entire record again. It’s not my job to read the Covaxin contract, it’s your job,” Ms. Tebet replied, to which Mr. Rosário replied calling the senator “unstable.”

The ensuing argument caused the session to be suspended, and later canceled entirely. Ms. Tebet lamented Mr. Rosário’s insult and asked for future witnesses to arrive at the Covid inquiry “unarmed” and “ready” to answer the committee’s questions.

“He couldn’t handle it and clearly decided to use unfortunate language. I’m a senator, and [when at work] I have no gender. The Senate knows how to treat all witnesses with respect during an inquiry, but this Senate does not accept disrespect, arrogance, petulance, and lies,” added Ms. Tebet.

• #corruption
• #sexism