Acting president Michel Temer has chosen congressman André Moura, who has been accused of attempted murder and Petrobras-related corruption

This article is more than 4 years old

This article is more than 4 years old

Brazil’s acting president, Michel Temer, has picked a congressman being investigated by the supreme court over an attempted murder allegation to be the government’s new leader in the lower house.

Former Brazil presidential chief of staff sentenced to 23 years for corruption Read more

Congressman André Moura of the conservative Social Christian party is also being investigated for alleged involvement in the corruption at state-owned oil company Petrobras.

Moura said on Wednesday the attempted murder accusations against him were unfounded and made by a political rival in the state of Sergipe to ruin his career. He also denied any involvement in the corruption at Petrobras.

Prosecutors say more than $2bn was paid in bribes and other funds by Brazil’s biggest construction and engineering firms in exchange for inflated Petrobras contracts.