Blairo bought the support of the PMDB party in Mato Grosso for R$ 4 million.

247 - Former Mato Grosso governor Silval Barbosa confessed to having brokered a transfer of R$ 4 million, at the request of Blairo Maggi and the former mayor of Cuiabá, Mauro Mendes, in 2008, in order to buy the support of the PMDB party in the municipal elections, according to testimony given in a plea bargain. At the time, the PMDB had declared its support for the opponent of Blairo's ally. The request was allegedly for R$ 4 million and came from current federal deputy Carlos Bezerra (PMDB-MT).

For the Supreme Federal Court minister, Luiz Fux, the plea bargain is "monstrous" and, on Thursday (25), he opened an investigation against several politicians from Mato Grosso, including Blairo Maggi. In 2008, 'before the campaign for the mayoralty of Cuiabá', Maggi, then governor, allegedly sought Barbosa to ask him to 'intercede' for the support of the PMDB.

Silval claims to have met with 'Carlos Bezerra, who is now a federal deputy, asking the PMDB to support Mauro Mendes (Maggi's candidate for mayor of Cuiabá). Bezerra said he would only support Mendes if they handed over R$ 4 million to the PMDB'. The then Secretary of Finance of Mato Grosso, Eder Moraes, was assigned to obtain the funds to pay Bezerra. 

Read the press release issued by Blairo Maggi.

Let me make it clear from the outset that it is strange and outrageous that unilateral collaboration agreements call into question the credibility and image of public figures who have served with integrity in public administration. Even so, in light of these questions, we are making the following clarifications public:

1. There has never been any action, by me or authorized by me, to act illegally within the actions of the Government or to obstruct justice. I will never accept any action aimed at "changing versions" in the testimonies of those under investigation. I have a total interest in ascertaining the truth. Any statement to the contrary is false, reckless, and criminal.

2. Furthermore, no payments were made or authorized by me to the then-secretary Eder Moraes to cover up any act. Because this did not occur, Silva Barbosa lied when he stated that I made such cash payments to Eder Moraes.

3. I also reject the claim that I led or organized criminal schemes in Mato Grosso. I have never used illegal means in my public life or in my businesses.

4. I have always respected the constitutional role of the Institutions and, as governor, I based the harmonious relationship between the branches of government on the pillars of respect for public property and institutional ethics.

5. Finally, I understand that the attacks on my reputation are regrettable, but I calmly accept the news of the opening of the investigation, as it will be the opportune moment to present my defense and thus reestablish the truth, because I definitively believe in Justice.