Rousseff Over the Coals: The Political Crisis in Brazil Explained

Brazil’s President, Dilma Rousseff, is under an impeachment trial – here is everything you need to know.

Brazilian President, Dilma Rousseff (Photo: AP)

The impeachment fight in Brazil over whether to permanently remove President Dilma Rousseff from office is about more than the charges that she mismanaged the federal budget. The Associated Press explains how it got to this point and how the trial is playing out:

How Rousseff’s Support Collapsed

Rousseff was re-elected to a second four-year term in October 2014. As the economy worsened, hundreds of thousands took to the streets in early 2015, with many demanding the Rousseff’s ouster and that of her left-leaning Workers’ Party. Her foes in Congress introduced a measure last year to impeach and remove her.

In April, the Chamber of Deputies approved it 367-137 and in May, the Senate voted 55-22 in favour. Rousseff was suspended and Vice President Michel Temer became interim president.

The Charges: Illegal Movement Of Money

Rousseff is accused of illegally shifting funds between government budgets. Opposition parties say that was to boost public spending and shore up support while masking the depths of deficits. Rousseff says other former presidents used similar accounting techniques.

A woman under an umbrella has a piece of ribbon that reads in Portuguese “Dilma come Back,” in support of Brazil’s suspended President Dilma Rousseff (Photo: AP)

The Trial Unfolds

Senators have questioned prosecution and defence witnesses over three days of heated debate. Rousseff herself will address the Senate and answer questions on Monday.

A vote is expected by the middle of the week. A supermajority – 54 of the 81 senators – is needed to convict her, which would result in her permanent removal from office.

The Defence: It’s a Coup

Rousseff and her backers say impeachment is a “coup” by corrupt opposition lawmakers meant to derail investigations into billions of dollars in kickbacks at the state oil company. They also argue that Brazil’s ruling class wants to end 13 years of leftist government. Opponents say Rousseff’s budget manoeuvres aggravated the crisis in Latin America’s largest economy.

A demonstrator wears a mask that reads in Portuguese “Temer out” during a march against acting President Michel Temer (Photo: AP)

The Stakes: Ouster

A conviction would permanently remove Rousseff from the presidency and bar her from holding any office for eight years. Temer would serve out her term, which ends on 21 December 2018. If convicted, Rousseff would likely appeal to the country’s highest court. But previous appeals during the process have failed.

Another Possibility: Return to Office

If fewer than 54 senators vote to remove her, Rousseff would return to office. She’s promised that if that happens, she would let voters decide in a plebiscite whether they want early presidential elections.

Demonstrators protest in support of Brazil’s suspended President Dilma Rousseff and against acting President Michel Temer (Photo: AP)

Brazil’s Poisoned Politics Cloud The Future

Brazilians are soured on politicians in general; both Rousseff and Temer are very unpopular. A poll taken last month by Datafolha found that 62 percent want new elections to solve the crisis. But before new elections could occur, both Rousseff and Temer would have to resign or be removed from office.