Brazil awaits verdict on donations that could strip Temer of presidency
Brasília — Brazil’s top electoral court wrapped up initial proceedings in a highly anticipated case that could see Michel Temer stripped of the presidency, but gave no clear indication of how it may rule. Prosecutors maintain that in the 2014 elections former president Dilma Rousseff and her running mate, Temer, benefited from off-the-books donations. If a majority of the seven-member court agrees and declares the election void, Temer could be removed from office. The unprecedented court ruling takes place amid an increasingly poisonous atmosphere in Brasilia, where the government’s economic reform agenda is jeopardised by numerous serious threats to the presidency. Lead judge Herman Benjamin started reading his opinion towards the end of the nationally televised three-hour hearing on Tuesday evening, after presentations from prosecution and defence lawyers. "The actions now being judged are the result of a failed system," he said. Benjamin will finish casting his vote when the cour...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.