Brazil: Scandal Festers

Opposition leaders called on Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to let a congressional investigation into allegations of government corruption proceed. The scandal began last month when a Brazilian magazine uncovered what it claimed was a kickback scheme in the national post office involving key Lula allies. Lula asserts the allegations are politically motivated and designed to block passage of his legislation ahead of next year’s presidential election. Brazil’s Bovespa stock market index fell 809 points yesterday, or just over 3 percent.