Brazil’s Lula on Lulinha Investigation: No One Above the Law
Brazil · POLITICS
Key Facts
- —What happened Lula told Record TV no one is above the law, including his son.
- —How big The Federal Police probe examines influence peddling by Lulinha and lobbyists.
- —The real story Lula says his son must prove his innocence; the case is early.
- —The catch Lulinha has not been charged or convicted; he is only under investigation.
- —What comes next The inquiry continues under the attorney general and Supreme Court.
- —Earlier interview In a podcast, Lula said, ‘If my son is guilty, he will pay.’.
In a rare television interview, President Lula addressed the Federal Police inquiry involving his eldest son, vowing that justice applies to everyone.

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva addressed the Lulinha investigation in an exclusive Record TV interview, aired Sunday 23 August 2026. He spoke directly about the probe’s details and his response to it.
He insisted that ‘no one is above the law, including my son.
Lula’s Key Statements on the Lulinha Investigation
In the Record TV interview, Lula said: ‘no one goes unpunished if they have committed a wrong. ‘ That applies to my son or to anyone.
Moreover, he added: ‘My son knows: if he committed a wrong, he will be tried, punished, or cleared. In addition, Lula said: ‘But he has to prove his innocence.
He also emphasized, ‘I am not a president who tries to ban an investigation. Instead, he stated, ‘I do not threaten to send a minister away.
I do not threaten to punish a police chief. Let it be investigated.
However, he insisted that ‘no one is above the law, including my son. Still, he stressed that his son must prove his innocence.
In the Record TV interview, Lula also said he treats the investigations with ‘great seriousness. He added that his son ‘must defend himself against the accusations.
The Federal Police Inquiry
The Lulinha investigation involves a Federal Police inquiry. In fact, it examines suspicions of tráfico de influência, or influence peddling, involving Fábio Luís Lula da Silva and lobbyists.
G1 reported the Federal Police assessment of that conduct. It ‘may have gone beyond ethical and legal limits in dealings with public authorities.
The inquiry is conducted by the Polícia Federal and supervised by the Procuradoria-Geral da República before the Supremo Tribunal Federal. The case is at an early stage, with no charges filed.
Meanwhile, the inquiry is supervised by the Procuradoria-Geral da República before the Supremo Tribunal Federal. As a result, the case remains under investigation, with no charges filed.
The inquiry is supervised by the Procuradoria-Geral da República before the Supremo Tribunal Federal. As a result, the case remains under investigation, with no charges filed.
Lulinha’s Role and the Nickname
Fábio Luís Lula da Silva, universally known as Lulinha, meaning ‘little Lula,’ is the president’s eldest son. He is under investigation, but has not been charged or convicted.
As a result, all references to him must be careful: he is a person under investigation. Still, allegations are attributed to the outlets reporting them.
In addition, Lulinha is the eldest son of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. He is under investigation, but not charged or convicted.
Lulinha is the eldest son of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. He is under investigation, but not charged or convicted.
Alleged Planalto Meeting
Jornal do Commercio reported lobbyist Roberta Luchsinger said Lulinha arranged a meeting at the Palácio do Planalto for Maranhão’s governor. Lula was set to release his public works project in that state.
The newspaper also reported that the meeting did take place, but this does not prove who arranged it or why. The allegations come from messages, not formal testimony.
However, the meeting did occur, according to Jornal do Commercio. Still, it does not prove who arranged it or why.
The allegations come from messages found on Roberta Luchsinger’s seized phone, not from formal testimony. Therefore, the meeting’s purpose remains unproven.
Lula’s Earlier Podcast Remarks
Before the Record broadcast, Lula spoke to the Brazilian podcast Não Inviabilize. After that, O Globo reported his words on Friday 14 August 2026.
He said, ‘If my son is guilty, he will pay. Only he knows the truth, I do not.
Whether he did it or did not do it… He swears he did not do it, so let him fight. This quote is from the podcast interview, not the Record TV interview.
It is important to keep the two interviews separate. Meanwhile, this quote is from the Não Inviabilize podcast, reported by O Globo on 14 August.
It is separate from the Record TV interview. This quote is from the Não Inviabilize podcast, reported by O Globo on 14 August.
It is separate from the Record TV interview.
Lula’s Defense of His Son
In the Record interview, Lula said he treats the investigations with ‘great seriousness. In addition, he said his son ‘must defend himself against the accusations,’ according to R7’s summary.
Lula’s statements reflect a stance of allowing the legal process to proceed, while expressing confidence in his son’s innocence. In addition, Lula said he treats the investigations with ‘great seriousness.
He also said his son ‘must defend himself against the accusations. Lula said his son ‘must defend himself against the accusations,’ according to R7’s summary.
He also said he treats the investigations with ‘great seriousness.
The Investigation’s Scope
The Federal Police inquiry into Lulinha was explained by G1 on 31 July 2026. The research does not confirm the exact date the inquiry was formally opened.
The inquiry is examining suspicions of influence peddling. In short, this is the offence of trading on access to public officials in exchange for advantage.
Meanwhile, G1 explained the inquiry on 31 July 2026. However, the exact opening date is not confirmed.
G1 explained the inquiry on 31 July 2026. However, the exact opening date is not confirmed.
No Charges or Convictions
It is crucial to note that Fábio Luís Lula da Silva has not been charged or convicted. He is only under investigation.
Therefore, any language suggesting guilt is inappropriate. The allegations are reported as suspicions, not established facts.
In addition, Fábio Luís Lula da Silva has not been charged or convicted. He is only under investigation, with allegations attributed to outlets.
Fábio Luís Lula da Silva has not been charged or convicted. He is only under investigation, with allegations attributed to outlets.
Context and Reactions
The Lulinha investigation has drawn attention due to the president’s public comments. However, the research does not include any polls, approval ratings, or reactions from political parties.
The focus remains on the legal process and Lula’s statements. He has consistently asserted that no one is above the law.
However, the research includes no polls or reactions from parties. Still, Lula’s statements remain consistent on the law.
The research includes no polls or reactions from parties. Still, Lula’s statements remain consistent on the law.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Lula say about the Lulinha investigation?
In a Record TV interview on 23 August 2026, Lula said ‘no one is above the law, including my son. He also said his son must prove his innocence.
Is Lulinha charged or convicted?
No, Fábio Luís Lula da Silva has not been charged or convicted. He is under investigation by the Federal Police for suspected influence peddling, but no formal charges have been filed.
What is the Federal Police inquiry about?
The inquiry examines suspicions of tráfico de influência, or influence peddling, involving Lulinha and lobbyists. The Federal Police have assessed that the conduct may have gone beyond ethical and legal limits.
What did Lula say in the earlier podcast interview?
In a podcast reported by O Globo on 14 August, Lula said, ‘If my son is guilty, he will pay. He also said, ‘Only he knows the truth, I do not.
Connected Coverage
Sources: Record TV and R7; Agência Estado via UOL; Pleno.News; CNN Brasil; O Globo; G1; Jornal do Commercio.
This article was drafted with automated assistance and reviewed before publication. How we use AI · Report an error
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