Haddad accuses Bolsonaro supporters of coordinated attacks on Banco do Brasil.
Minister says online offensive seeks to undermine public institutions and denounces "toxic" political environment.
247 - Finance Minister Fernando Haddad declared this Saturday (23), in an interview with GGN newspaperIt has been reported that Bolsonaro supporters have been carrying out organized attacks against Banco do Brasil. The institution has contacted the Attorney General's Office (AGU) to assess legal measures against profiles that spread misinformation about the bank.
According to the minister, the attacks are not limited to social media, but are part of a political strategy that includes bills currently being processed in Congress. "There has been an attack on Banco do Brasil by Bolsonaro supporters. There are Bolsonaro supporters on social media advocating for withdrawals of funds from Banco do Brasil accounts, for example," Haddad stated during the interview.
Banco do Brasil responds to rumors
Banco do Brasil has requested legal support from the Attorney General's Office (AGU) to combat false posts that encourage account holders to close their accounts and spread rumors considered a threat not only to the bank, but to the entire National Financial System. Among the internal measures adopted, the board contacted the 100 largest investors to clarify rumors and instructed employees and managers to speak directly with clients to contain damage to the institution's image.
Haddad emphasized that, in addition to online campaigns, there are legislative movements aligned with the same objective. "There are bills in Congress to forgive debts of agribusiness, which is not experiencing problems, at Banco do Brasil. Default rates at Banco do Brasil are increasing due to a concerted, deliberate action by Bolsonaro supporters who are trying to undermine public institutions," the minister added.
Political climate and defense of democracy
According to the Finance Minister, the episode reflects what he calls a "toxic" political environment in Brazil. "This compromises the health of Brazilian democracy. Therefore, we cannot back down from defending the institutions," he declared.
The attacks against Banco do Brasil stemmed from rumors involving bank accounts belonging to ministers of the Supreme Federal Court (STF). This escalation prompted the institution to quickly mobilize to preserve the confidence of investors and clients amidst what Haddad describes as a "combined action" attacking public institutions.
