INSS CPI Gains Online Prominence
The Parliamentary Inquiry Commission (CPI) investigating fraud within Brazil's National Social Security Institute (INSS) has increasingly become a stage for political self-promotion, with deputies and senators actively leveraging its sessions for social media content. On Monday, October 13, 2025, parliamentary proceedings were marked by legislators creating short video clips, known as 'cuts,' for dissemination across various online platforms. This trend highlights a strategic shift among politicians to harness the CPI's high public interest for personal visibility and potential electoral gains in 2026.
Strategy for Visibility and Electoral Advantage
The INSS CPI, established to probe billions of reais in alleged fraud involving illegal discounts on benefits for retirees and pensioners, has garnered significant public attention. This heightened interest has prompted many parliamentarians to adapt their conduct during sessions. Members are utilizing their allotted ten minutes, whether for questioning witnesses or delivering speeches, to craft content specifically designed for online engagement. Tactics observed include:
- Delivering inflated speeches and engaging in shouting to capture attention.
- Employing personal lapel microphones to ensure clear audio for recordings.
- Having assessors record proceedings with cell phones for immediate social media sharing.
- Transmitting their participation live and directly addressing official cameras.
Increased Audience and Internal Criticism
The strategy appears to be yielding results, with the CPI's sessions attracting a substantially larger online audience compared to other parliamentary proceedings. For instance, a single testimony during the CPI registered 838,000 views on the Senate's YouTube channel, a stark contrast to the 10,000 to 15,000 views typically seen for regular sessions. This exposure has translated into an increase in social media followers for key members, including the CPI's President, Senator Carlos Viana (Podemos-MG), and its Rapporteur, Deputy Alfredo Gaspar (União-AL).
However, this phenomenon has not been without internal criticism. Deputy Alencar Santana (PT-SP) openly accused Deputy Gaspar of using the commission for electoral propaganda. Gaspar, notably, displayed a personalized logo, 'Alfredo Gaspar na CPI do INSS,' on the screen during his interrogations, further fueling the debate over the appropriate use of the parliamentary inquiry. The CPI, installed in late August 2025, has a 180-day mandate to complete its investigations.
5 Comments
Matzomaster
If it brings attention to INSS fraud, it's a win. Exposure is key.
Rotfront
Finally, politicians are connecting with the public! This is how democracy should work.
Leonardo
The use of social media definitely increases public engagement, which is positive for transparency. However, the tactics observed, like inflated speeches, risk trivializing the serious nature of the inquiry.
Raphael
Leveraging digital tools for political visibility can be effective in raising awareness about important issues like INSS fraud. My concern is that the emphasis on personal branding might dilute the seriousness of the commission's work and its investigative mandate.
Habibi
Disgraceful self-promotion. Focus on the investigation, not your likes.