The "Mensalão" scandal refers to a political corruption case in Brazil that emerged in 2005. It involved the ruling Workers' Party (PT) allegedly paying monthly bribes to lawmakers to secure their support for government initiatives. This scheme aimed to ensure a stable majority in the Chamber of Deputies, the lower house of the National Congress. The scandal led to widespread public outrage and investigations by the Federal Police and the Supreme Federal Court. In 2012, several high-ranking officials, including former Chief of Staff José Dirceu, were convicted and sentenced to prison, marking a significant moment in Brazilian politics and highlighting issues of corruption.