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Brazil's Lula to be President Rousseff's chief of staff Brazil's Lula to be President Rousseff's chief of staff
(about 5 hours later)
Brazil's former President, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, will become the new chief of staff for current President Dilma Rousseff. Brazil's President Dilma Rousseff has appointed her predecessor Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva as her new chief of staff.
The move shields Lula from possible prosecution by a federal judge investigating a massive corruption scandal named Operation Car Wash.The move shields Lula from possible prosecution by a federal judge investigating a massive corruption scandal named Operation Car Wash.
But Ms Rousseff said that was not the motivation for the appointment. The move sparked protests in several cities by those angry at the decision.
But Ms Rousseff said that protecting Lula from prosecution was not the motivation for the appointment.
"Lula's arrival in my government strengthens it and there are people who don't want it to be stronger.""Lula's arrival in my government strengthens it and there are people who don't want it to be stronger."
Under Brazilian law, cabinet members can only be tried by the Supreme Court.Under Brazilian law, cabinet members can only be tried by the Supreme Court.
Lula was questioned two weeks ago over allegations of money laundering connected to Operation Car Wash. On 4 March, Lula was briefly detained and questioned over allegations of money laundering connected to Operation Car Wash, a massive investigation into corruption at the state oil giant, Petrobras.
He says the allegations are aimed at preventing him from running for president again in 2018. He denies the allegations and says they are aimed at preventing him from running for president again in 2018.
He is a "skilful political negotiator" and experienced leader who will help kick off economic recovery, said Ms Rousseff. In a taped telephone conversation released by the judge overseeing the investigation, Ms Rousseff offered to send Lula a copy of his appointment "in case of necessity" - interpreted by some as meaning in case he needed it to avoid arrest.
Hours after the announcement of Lula's appointment, protesters gathered outside the Presidential Palace in Brasilia and in at least three other cities.
"I'm tired. I'm not the police; I'm a Brazilian who is tired of so much corruption," one protester in Brasilia told Reuters.
In Congress, opposition politicians gathered around a microphone during a chaotic session and chanted "resignation".
Ms Rousseff says the appointment is due to Lula being a "skilful political negotiator" and experienced leader who will help kick off economic recovery.
During his time in office, the Brazilian economy experienced unprecedented economic growth and wealth redistribution.During his time in office, the Brazilian economy experienced unprecedented economic growth and wealth redistribution.
"I believe [former] President Lula, who was in charge of the country for eight years, cannot have his reputation destroyed in this manner," added Ms Rousseff."I believe [former] President Lula, who was in charge of the country for eight years, cannot have his reputation destroyed in this manner," added Ms Rousseff.
Hours after the announcement, protesters gathered outside the Presidential Palace in Brasilia and in at least three other cities.
In Congress, opposition politicians gathered around a microphone during a chaotic session and chanted "resignation".
Lula in the spotlightLula in the spotlight
Fight against impeachmentFight against impeachment
Lula flew to the capital, Brasilia, on Tuesday for talks with President Rousseff. After a four-hour meeting, they agreed to reconvene on Wednesday.
Lawmaker Jose Guimaraes of the governing Workers' Party, to which both Lula and President Rousseff belong, tweeted (in Portuguese) that current chief of staff Jaques Wagner had "shown greatness and selflessness on the day of his birthday" and ceded his post to Lula.
The former leader's appointment was confirmed later in a statement issued by Ms Rousseff.
Lula and other ministers appointed on Wednesday are expected to be sworn in at 10:00 local time (13:00 GMT) on Thursday.Lula and other ministers appointed on Wednesday are expected to be sworn in at 10:00 local time (13:00 GMT) on Thursday.
As chief of staff, Lula is expected to lead the fight against moves in Congress to impeach President Rousseff over allegations she manipulated Brazil's account books to hide a growing deficit.As chief of staff, Lula is expected to lead the fight against moves in Congress to impeach President Rousseff over allegations she manipulated Brazil's account books to hide a growing deficit.
Analysts say President Rousseff is hoping that Lula will use his political nous and influence with members of Congress to block impeachment proceedings.Analysts say President Rousseff is hoping that Lula will use his political nous and influence with members of Congress to block impeachment proceedings.
Lula: 'Man of the people'
The two politicians have been close for decades. Lula was Ms Rousseff's political mentor and she is his hand-picked successor.The two politicians have been close for decades. Lula was Ms Rousseff's political mentor and she is his hand-picked successor.
On 4 March, Lula was briefly detained and questioned over allegations of money laundering connected to Operation Car Wash, a massive investigation into corruption at the state oil giant, Petrobras. Lula: 'Man of the people'
Prosecutors have since filed fraud and money laundering charges against him. However, the charges have yet to be accepted by a judge.
The case has been transferred to federal judge Sergio Moro, who is in charge of Operation Car Wash.
But if Lula is confirmed as a cabinet member, Judge Moro will not be able to investigate or try him.
Lula has consistently denied any wrongdoing and alleges the allegations are politically motivated.