Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff on Wednesday named her predecessor Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to the Cabinet-ranked post of Presidential Chief-of-Staff. The appointment comes at a time when Lula is threatened with possible prosecution for alleged crimes including influence-peddling and money laundering. By holding a Cabinet post, Lula is immune from prosecution in inferior courts. He may only be indicted and tried before the Brazilian Supreme Court. Current Presidential Chief-of-Staff Jaques Wagner will be moved to a new post as Personal Assistant to the President. In brief press remarks, Rousseff said there would be no changes to her economic policy team or to the administration’s economic strategy. “Former President Lula is committed to fiscal austerity and to the fight against inflation,” said the President.
Link to government news agency release
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