Cecília Jorge
Reporter Agência Brasil

Brasília – Over the weekend, minister of Finance, Antonio Palocci, strongly denied charges made by a former aide, Rogério Buratti, that he received US$20,400 (R$50,000) in monthly payments from a company contracted to collect garbage when he (Palocci) was mayor of Ribeirão Preto. According to Buratti, Palocci passed the money on to the PT.

"I categorically and vehemently deny these charges. I never received or collected funds for the PT while I was mayor or at any other time," declared the minister.

At a press conference, Palocci explained that he had spoken to president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva about the matter, and the president had decided that he was to remain at his post. "President Lula has decided that the accusations by Buratti will not affect my position and I will continue to be minister of Finance," said Palocci.

Translator: Allen Bennett