Banker André Esteves defends Campos Neto and says his independence is "undisputable."
However, a 2021 audio recording of the banker himself revealed that Campos Neto's independence is questionable.
247 - Banker André Esteves, one of the founders of BTG Pactual, defended the president of the Central Bank, Roberto Campos Neto, who has been criticized by President Lula for maintaining interest rates incompatible with the country's need for economic growth.
The technical independence of the Central Bank president is "undisputable," Esteves stated at the 'BTG Pactual CEO Conference 2023' when questioned about recent statements by Lula regarding Campos Neto's performance, who was present at the event.
“The argument about the Central Bank's bias is completely nonsensical, bordering on the absurd,” said Esteves. “In an election year, the Central Bank did not hesitate to raise interest rates where necessary,” he argued.
Campos Neto is criticized by members of the PT (Workers' Party) due to his political preferences: he is a supporter of Bolsonaro and made a point of making that clear on election day last year when he went to vote wearing a yellow shirt, typical of Jair Bolsonaro's supporters. Some speak of sabotaging the new government's economic policies.
Campos Neto's 'independence' narrative was already dismantled in October 2021, when the 247 He revealed audio recordings that show the close relationship between the president of the Central Bank and the financial market, including Esteves himself.
In the leaked recordings, Esteves speaks practically as if he owns Brazil and says that, even with Lula's then-possible victory, "we will have two years of Roberto Campos Neto."
Subscribe to 247, Support via Pix, Subscribe to TV 247, in the channel Cuts 247 and watch: