Brasília - A lot is going on in Brasilia at the moment. At least three Parliamentary Investigative Commissions are operating, along with an Ethics Council. One of the most awaited hearings will take place before the Ethics Council of the Chamber of Deputies this afternoon when Jose Dirceu (PT-SP) takes the stand. Dirceu was the powerful presidential Chief of Staff until he resigned under a storm of accusations by deputy Roberto Jefferson (PTB-RJ).

In reality, the Ethics Council is investigating whether or not Jefferson should be charged with infringing congressional rules ("quebra de decoro") after he accused Dirceu and other members of Congress of participating in a payoff scheme. According to Jefferson, who has not presented concrete proof of his charges, the PT was giving money (monthly allowances - "mensalão) to government allies so they would vote with the government. And it is one of the parties accused by Jefferson of receiving the mensalão, the PL, that has brought him before the council.

Translator: Allen Bennett