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Tuesday, February 19, 2019, 14:59
Brazil president fires key aide linked to corruption scandal
By Associated Press
Tuesday, February 19, 2019, 14:59 By Associated Press

Brazil's right-wing presidential candidate for the Social Liberal Party (PSL) Jair Bolsonaro (left) and President of the Social Liberal Party (PSL) Gustavo Bebianno Rocha (right) gesture during a press conference at Windsor Barra Hotel in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on Oct 11, 2018. (MAURO PIMENTEL / AFP)

RIO DE JANEIRO — Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has officially dismissed his key aide in charge of dealings with congress, days after a newspaper linked him to a corruption scandal involving phony candidates and the misuse of campaign funds.

President Bolsonaro ran his campaign on the promise that he will tackle corruption

Government spokesman Otavio Rego Barros didn't say Monday what motivated the president's decision to fire aide Gustavo Bebianno, who has been a close ally of Bolsonaro. Bebianno has denied any wrongdoing.

ALSO READ: Brazil top court judge reopens probe into Bolsonaro's son

The scandal has cast a shadow over the government's first weeks in power and is proving a distraction on the eve of the administration presenting sensitive legislation to congress. Lawmakers are set to receive this week an anti-crime bill and a proposal to overhaul Brazil's pension system, the government's flagship reform.

Bolsonaro ran his campaign on the promise that he will tackle corruption.

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