Auxiliaries of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and ministers Rui Costa and Fernando Haddad have been serving on the board of directors of Terracap, a public company in the Federal District that operates like a state real estate firm, since July 2023. Each auxiliary receives an additional R$ 10,800 for participating in monthly meetings, according to a report by the newspaper Estado de São Paulo.
Terracap is responsible for managing public lands in Brasília and is involved in various real estate projects, including the regularization of properties and urban planning initiatives. The company's profits primarily come from the sale of lots. The Union holds a minority stake in Terracap, owning 49% of its shares, which allows the federal government to appoint four members to its board.
The remuneration policy at Terracap stands out from that of similar-sized companies, offering higher pay than positions at major institutions like Banco do Brasil, Caixa, BNDES, and subsidiaries of Petrobras. For instance, the additional compensation for board participation at BNDES is R$ 7,800, significantly less than what Terracap offers.
One notable beneficiary of this remuneration scheme is Marco Aurélio Santana Ribeiro, commonly known as Marcola, who serves as Lula's chief of staff. His salary surged by 57% due to his role at Terracap, increasing from R$ 18,800 to R$ 29,700 monthly. Laio Correia Morais, chief of staff for Minister Haddad, has seen an even larger increase of 107%, bringing his total earnings to R$ 30,700 a month.
Joining Marcola and Correia Morais on the board are Talita Nobre Pessoa, chief of staff for Rui Costa, and Maurício Muniz Barretto de Carvalho, deputy chief of the Special Secretariat for Articulation and Monitoring of the Ministry of the Casa Civil. Both Talita and Marcola earn R$ 29,700, while Maurício's salary climbs by 96%, totaling R$ 22,000.
The Palácio do Planalto has stated that the appointments follow the requirements of the State-Owned Enterprises Law and are subject to evaluation by eligibility committees that ensure compliance with the selection processes. Terracap has affirmed that its remuneration policy for directors is approved at the General Shareholders' Meeting and adheres to internally established criteria and applicable legal guidelines.
Founded in 1973, Terracap plays a crucial role in the urban development of Brasília, managing public lands and overseeing real estate projects such as the expansion of residential buildings in the Northwest area of the capital's pilot plan. The company also engages in property regularization and urban development initiatives.
Among Lula's allies, only Barretto de Carvalho has relevant experience in the areas that Terracap operates. He was the coordinator of the Growth Acceleration Program (PAC) from 2004 to 2010 and has remained involved with the project in various capacities until 2016. His extensive background includes serving as the Minister of Ports during the administration of former President Dilma Rousseff.
Marcola, a political scientist, has a diverse background that includes serving as the executive coordinator for the "Lula pelo Brasil" caravans and working as a parliamentary assistant in São Paulo's Legislative Assembly (Alesp) and the Chamber of Deputies. Laio Correia Morais, who has worked with Haddad since 2015, is a law graduate and has experience as a self-employed lawyer and political advisor to the presidency of the Workers' Party (PT).
Talita Nobre Pessoa, a journalist, was Rui Costa's personal advisor during his governorship in Bahia. Her previous roles include serving as the internal communications secretary for the city of Vitória da Conquista and working as a production assistant in audiovisual projects.
The significant increases in salaries for these aides raise questions about the appropriateness of such compensation in public enterprises, especially in light of the ongoing economic challenges facing many citizens in Brazil. Critics argue that the remuneration practices at Terracap reflect a disconnect between government officials and the realities faced by ordinary people.
The situation has sparked debate over the ethics of public sector salaries, particularly in companies that are supposed to serve the public interest. Supporters of the aides argue that their qualifications and contributions justify the higher pay, while detractors call for a reevaluation of such compensation structures, especially in a time of economic strain.
As the government continues to navigate complex economic landscapes, the scrutiny of public officials' salaries, especially those tied to state-owned enterprises, is likely to persist. The outcomes of this scrutiny may influence future policies regarding compensation in the public sector, particularly as citizens demand accountability and transparency.
In the coming months, it will be crucial to monitor how these developments unfold and whether they lead to changes in remuneration policies or broader discussions about the role of public servants in managing state resources. The ongoing dialogue surrounding these issues will undoubtedly shape the political landscape as Brazil moves forward.
