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Brazil supreme court rejects Dilma Rousseff's last minute appeal – live Dilma Rousseff faces impeachment as Brazil's senate debates – live
(35 minutes later)
9.37pm BST
21:37
Senator Agripino Maia is making a long and convoluted speech about state banks and his experiences with them, related to the impeachment vote in only a very roundabout way.
He is not helping anybody who wants to actually impeach or defend the president.
But he has given NPR’s Lulu Garcia-Navarro an excuse to unearth these stats about Brazil’s Senate, which has not only just cut Maia’s microphone to get him to stop talking but is also composed of some very specific demographics.
Fun #Brazil Senate stats: 80% White Men58% Under Criminal Investigation60% Come from Political dynasties13% Unelected (alternates)
Her source is a BBC Brasil analysis of the Brazilian Congress.
Brazilian politicians use their 15 minutes of fame to take short cuts to irrelevance.
Updated
at 9.38pm BST
9.23pm BST
21:23
Impeachment forces have third of vote needed
Ângela Portela, of the president’s Workers’ Party, says she’ll vote against impeaching Dilma Rousseff. She’s only the second to declare herself with the president in the Senate today, making the declared tally, so far, 15 for impeachment and two against.
The Senate needs a simple majority of the senators present, meaning 41 votes if all 81 senators are present. Senate leader Renan Calheiros has said he will not vote to stay neutral. If not all the senators are present the tally necessary for impeachment is lower: there are 73 senators in the chamber at the moment, for instance, then only 38 senators need vote for impeachment.
The Senate’s official Twitter account has itself admitted it’s going to be a long night before the senators finish having their say.
“Calheiros just tried and dismally failed to get the schedule back on track by cutting down the length of the speeches,” my colleague Jon Watts reports from the chamber floor.
“He was quickly put in his place and now says he will give Senators’ their say in this historic session. Great news if you are one of the few dozen politician who are yet to speak. Awful for everyone else as we now face the prospect of a debate that could go on until breakfast time tomorrow.”
Brazil impeachment vote in senate looking like 15 x 2 so far. Reports the actual vote will take place at 2am.
Updated
at 9.25pm BST
9.06pm BST9.06pm BST
21:0621:06
Senate leader Renan Calheiros has said he will not vote whether to impeach Dilma Rousseff, saying that he wants to stay neutral as the president of the chamber.Senate leader Renan Calheiros has said he will not vote whether to impeach Dilma Rousseff, saying that he wants to stay neutral as the president of the chamber.
But he was already using the past tense when he spoke of the sitting president of the country, and started speaking in the future tense of vice-president Michel Temer, who is of the senator’s Brazilian Democratic Movement Party (PMDB).But he was already using the past tense when he spoke of the sitting president of the country, and started speaking in the future tense of vice-president Michel Temer, who is of the senator’s Brazilian Democratic Movement Party (PMDB).
“Temer needs the backing of Congress to carry out deep reforms, above all reform of the political system, if he becomes president,” he told reporters between Senate sessions.“Temer needs the backing of Congress to carry out deep reforms, above all reform of the political system, if he becomes president,” he told reporters between Senate sessions.
Reuters notes that Brazil’s glum economy appreciates the possibility that Temer could take power, “on hopes his team could cut a massive fiscal deficit and return the battered economy to growth”.Reuters notes that Brazil’s glum economy appreciates the possibility that Temer could take power, “on hopes his team could cut a massive fiscal deficit and return the battered economy to growth”.
8.46pm BST8.46pm BST
20:4620:46
Two more say they’ll vote for impeachment. Senator Sergio Petecão admits: “I won’t say we should expect it to solve all the problems.”Two more say they’ll vote for impeachment. Senator Sergio Petecão admits: “I won’t say we should expect it to solve all the problems.”
Petecão is of the Social Democratic Party, which has taken many lawmakers who’ve left Brazil’s rightwing Democrats, and he was formerly of a center-nationalist party.Petecão is of the Social Democratic Party, which has taken many lawmakers who’ve left Brazil’s rightwing Democrats, and he was formerly of a center-nationalist party.
On the other side of the ideological spectrum, Popular Socialist Cristovão Buarque also says he’s voting for impeachment. His decision has not made him popular among the leftists who continue to defend Rousseff, especially since Buarque was once of her party himself.On the other side of the ideological spectrum, Popular Socialist Cristovão Buarque also says he’s voting for impeachment. His decision has not made him popular among the leftists who continue to defend Rousseff, especially since Buarque was once of her party himself.
Senator Cristovão Buarque is up. He's voting yes. "It's the left that aged, not me," he says. pic.twitter.com/i5rWARpe2jSenator Cristovão Buarque is up. He's voting yes. "It's the left that aged, not me," he says. pic.twitter.com/i5rWARpe2j
In between it all is Renan Calheiros, who variously chuckles at his peers, scolds them, and simply watches over it all in amusement. The LA Times’ Vincent Bevins has the simile to beat.In between it all is Renan Calheiros, who variously chuckles at his peers, scolds them, and simply watches over it all in amusement. The LA Times’ Vincent Bevins has the simile to beat.
During impeachment proceedings, Brazil Senate President plays the role of annoyed schoolteacher: "I recommend that you all pay attention..."During impeachment proceedings, Brazil Senate President plays the role of annoyed schoolteacher: "I recommend that you all pay attention..."
8.31pm BST8.31pm BST
20:3120:31
If you’re catching up … we’re now at 13 senators who’ve declared for impeachment, one in defense of Dilma Rousseff. The Senate needs a simple majority of present senators to impeach the president, which would be 41 with all 81 senators present.If you’re catching up … we’re now at 13 senators who’ve declared for impeachment, one in defense of Dilma Rousseff. The Senate needs a simple majority of present senators to impeach the president, which would be 41 with all 81 senators present.
Senate speeches, Cliff Notes version:shout-outsthis difficult momentunemploymentDilma, LulacorruptionWhat country is this?I vote yesSenate speeches, Cliff Notes version:shout-outsthis difficult momentunemploymentDilma, LulacorruptionWhat country is this?I vote yes
8.15pm BST8.15pm BST
20:1520:15
The senators of the Brazilian Democratic Movement Party (PMDB) have agreed to give up their speaking time, my colleague Jon Watts reports from the Senate floor.The senators of the Brazilian Democratic Movement Party (PMDB) have agreed to give up their speaking time, my colleague Jon Watts reports from the Senate floor.
There are six of them so that saves 90 minutes – but barring more sacrifices from dozens of other senators, we’re still on schedule to finish hours from now.There are six of them so that saves 90 minutes – but barring more sacrifices from dozens of other senators, we’re still on schedule to finish hours from now.
Meanwhile the leader of Rousseff’s Workers’ Party, Humberto Costa, is paraphrasing Senator Motas defense of the president. “They want to change the results of the last election,” he says of her enemies in Congress.Meanwhile the leader of Rousseff’s Workers’ Party, Humberto Costa, is paraphrasing Senator Motas defense of the president. “They want to change the results of the last election,” he says of her enemies in Congress.
Senador Telmário Mota preciso em suas palavras: Querem mudar no tapetão o resultado das urnas.Senador Telmário Mota preciso em suas palavras: Querem mudar no tapetão o resultado das urnas.
But based on the senators who’ve spoken so far Rousseff appears to be in trouble.But based on the senators who’ve spoken so far Rousseff appears to be in trouble.
Senate vote is 11 x 1 for impeachment so far. Worse than Brazil in the World Cup, worse than Ed Cunha in Supreme Court.Senate vote is 11 x 1 for impeachment so far. Worse than Brazil in the World Cup, worse than Ed Cunha in Supreme Court.
7.57pm BST7.57pm BST
19:5719:57
Rousseff has found at least one friend in the Senate and a few outside it. Senator Telmário Mota took the podium to ask: “What country is this?”Rousseff has found at least one friend in the Senate and a few outside it. Senator Telmário Mota took the podium to ask: “What country is this?”
“We want a country that respects the law and the constitution and democracy,” he said. “This impeachment was born of revenge, hatred and revenge.”“We want a country that respects the law and the constitution and democracy,” he said. “This impeachment was born of revenge, hatred and revenge.”
The newspaper Correio Braziliense points out via tweet that Mota’s question happens to invoke the Brazilian rock band Legião Urbana, whose third album was titled “What country is this?”The newspaper Correio Braziliense points out via tweet that Mota’s question happens to invoke the Brazilian rock band Legião Urbana, whose third album was titled “What country is this?”
Senador Telmário Mota (PDT/RR) pergunta: "Que país é esse?" https://t.co/rwxW256blV pic.twitter.com/7QiTc4jGeDSenador Telmário Mota (PDT/RR) pergunta: "Que país é esse?" https://t.co/rwxW256blV pic.twitter.com/7QiTc4jGeD
And outside, pro-Rousseff protesters are setting up for a show once the Senate finally gets round to voting.And outside, pro-Rousseff protesters are setting up for a show once the Senate finally gets round to voting.
"Democracy, yes! No coup!" pic.twitter.com/7faxe5AsNe"Democracy, yes! No coup!" pic.twitter.com/7faxe5AsNe
UpdatedUpdated
at 7.58pm BSTat 7.58pm BST
7.36pm BST7.36pm BST
19:3619:36
Inside Congress, a football (soccer) star turned senator, Romário de Souza Faria, has taken the podium.Inside Congress, a football (soccer) star turned senator, Romário de Souza Faria, has taken the podium.
“It’s undeniable that the country is going through a very serious crisis,” he says. “The crisis has a political element, but it’s not limited to this.”“It’s undeniable that the country is going through a very serious crisis,” he says. “The crisis has a political element, but it’s not limited to this.”
He says that senators have to take charge of the government and enact emergency measures. As for Dilma Rousseff, he says “From everything I’ve read, heard and understand, I have concluded that there’s evidence of a crime of responsibility by the president.”He says that senators have to take charge of the government and enact emergency measures. As for Dilma Rousseff, he says “From everything I’ve read, heard and understand, I have concluded that there’s evidence of a crime of responsibility by the president.”
He’s going to vote for impeachment.He’s going to vote for impeachment.
Por isso, votarei pela admissão do processo de impeachment.Por isso, votarei pela admissão do processo de impeachment.
Outside Congress, a small group of protesters circles for drums and a little half-hearted shuffle dance.Outside Congress, a small group of protesters circles for drums and a little half-hearted shuffle dance.
pic.twitter.com/3hYDABE7chpic.twitter.com/3hYDABE7ch
7.15pm BST7.15pm BST
19:1519:15
Senator compares Rousseff to gangrene
Senator Magno Malta is at the podium, the ninth senator of 68 who were slated to speak – Brazilian press are reporting that the Senate may skip some speeches to get to the actual vote.Senator Magno Malta is at the podium, the ninth senator of 68 who were slated to speak – Brazilian press are reporting that the Senate may skip some speeches to get to the actual vote.
Malta is not wasting his opportunity. He too is in favor of impeachment. He’s waving an accusatory finger at the Senate and shouting at his colleagues about the dire state of Brazil, comparing corruption to diseases: “like diabetics, we have to amputate the limb”.Malta is not wasting his opportunity. He too is in favor of impeachment. He’s waving an accusatory finger at the Senate and shouting at his colleagues about the dire state of Brazil, comparing corruption to diseases: “like diabetics, we have to amputate the limb”.
He starts yelling about how Rousseff’s Workers’ Party is “against the family” and wants to legalize abortion. “My children educate me, not these people.”He starts yelling about how Rousseff’s Workers’ Party is “against the family” and wants to legalize abortion. “My children educate me, not these people.”
He receives polite applause once the bell rings out his time on the floor.He receives polite applause once the bell rings out his time on the floor.
Brazil senator currently speaking says Rousseff is "gangrene" & needs to be amputated.Brazil senator currently speaking says Rousseff is "gangrene" & needs to be amputated.
UpdatedUpdated
at 7.19pm BST at 9.36pm BST
7.06pm BST7.06pm BST
19:0619:06
Many Brazilians have blamed Rousseff for dragging the economy into the worst recession in decades, and her impeachment hinges on related charges: using government funds to hide signs of trouble.Many Brazilians have blamed Rousseff for dragging the economy into the worst recession in decades, and her impeachment hinges on related charges: using government funds to hide signs of trouble.
Senators Lúcia Vânia and Zexe Perella have also brought up the economy: they’re the sixth and seventh senators to speak in favor of impeachment today.Senators Lúcia Vânia and Zexe Perella have also brought up the economy: they’re the sixth and seventh senators to speak in favor of impeachment today.
But does the future really look brighter with any of Rousseff’s successors? Brian Winter, vice-president of the American Society/Council of the Americas, writes for Vox that whoever replaces Rousseff has more to do than rectify her mistakes.But does the future really look brighter with any of Rousseff’s successors? Brian Winter, vice-president of the American Society/Council of the Americas, writes for Vox that whoever replaces Rousseff has more to do than rectify her mistakes.
Her disastrous handling of the government budget (and ensuing fudging of the numbers, for which she is facing impeachment), her refusal to engage in a new wave of economic reform, and her mismanagement of the corruption scandalat state-run oil company Petrobras have destroyed much of the goodwill and stability that previous governments in Brazil had painstakingly built over the past 20 years.Her disastrous handling of the government budget (and ensuing fudging of the numbers, for which she is facing impeachment), her refusal to engage in a new wave of economic reform, and her mismanagement of the corruption scandalat state-run oil company Petrobras have destroyed much of the goodwill and stability that previous governments in Brazil had painstakingly built over the past 20 years.
Vice-president Michel Termer would be “a clear upgrade” on economics, Winter continues.Vice-president Michel Termer would be “a clear upgrade” on economics, Winter continues.
Based on his probable picks for finance minister and other key cabinet positions, Temer will be much less likely than Rousseff to meddle in areas of the economy such as interest rates, or the rate of return for investors on infrastructure projects, that are best left to independent regulators or the private sector.Based on his probable picks for finance minister and other key cabinet positions, Temer will be much less likely than Rousseff to meddle in areas of the economy such as interest rates, or the rate of return for investors on infrastructure projects, that are best left to independent regulators or the private sector.
Temer may even take on longstanding obstacles to growth such as Brazil’s tax code (which the World Bank has called the world’s most complex) and the gaping hole in its pension system.Temer may even take on longstanding obstacles to growth such as Brazil’s tax code (which the World Bank has called the world’s most complex) and the gaping hole in its pension system.
But Temer’s going to have to make unpopular decisions if he wants to improve the economy, Winter argues – and that’s assuming his own legal troubles do not torpedo his administration from the start.But Temer’s going to have to make unpopular decisions if he wants to improve the economy, Winter argues – and that’s assuming his own legal troubles do not torpedo his administration from the start.
6.48pm BST6.48pm BST
18:4818:48
Six senators have taken turns so far at the Senate podium (of a planned 68 ) to argue for and against impeachment. Most have spoken about the economic crisis – unemployment and inflation are hovering near 10% – and Rousseff’s handling of it.Six senators have taken turns so far at the Senate podium (of a planned 68 ) to argue for and against impeachment. Most have spoken about the economic crisis – unemployment and inflation are hovering near 10% – and Rousseff’s handling of it.
Two senators asked to delay the proceedings in Rousseff’s favor before the formal turns at debate began, but they were overruled, and the supreme court later rejected Rousseff’s appeal to halt the vote.Two senators asked to delay the proceedings in Rousseff’s favor before the formal turns at debate began, but they were overruled, and the supreme court later rejected Rousseff’s appeal to halt the vote.
All six senators at the podium have argued for impeachment. The most recent brought a chart.All six senators at the podium have argued for impeachment. The most recent brought a chart.
Now a senator is showing a bar chart while he gives his remarks. #impeachment pic.twitter.com/EMwaGZKBuJNow a senator is showing a bar chart while he gives his remarks. #impeachment pic.twitter.com/EMwaGZKBuJ
UpdatedUpdated
at 6.51pm BSTat 6.51pm BST
6.32pm BST6.32pm BST
18:3218:32
The Senate is back at long last from its extended lunch break, with leader Renan Calheiro chatting idly before starting off the session to impeach the president.The Senate is back at long last from its extended lunch break, with leader Renan Calheiro chatting idly before starting off the session to impeach the president.
“We can’t really rush history,” he says, per Folha’s Leandro Colon.“We can’t really rush history,” he says, per Folha’s Leandro Colon.
Renan batendo papo com senadores antes de recomeçar sessão pic.twitter.com/Y2yV59uN5aRenan batendo papo com senadores antes de recomeçar sessão pic.twitter.com/Y2yV59uN5a
6.14pm BST6.14pm BST
18:1418:14
Rousseff ally all but surrendersRousseff ally all but surrenders
Humberto Costa, the leader of the Workers Party in the Senate, has all but admitted defeat for Dilma Rousseff, whose second term seems on the verge of an abrupt early end to the party’s hold of the presidency.Humberto Costa, the leader of the Workers Party in the Senate, has all but admitted defeat for Dilma Rousseff, whose second term seems on the verge of an abrupt early end to the party’s hold of the presidency.
“There are no other paths for us but opposition,” he just said in a televised interview.“There are no other paths for us but opposition,” he just said in a televised interview.
On his Twitter account, however, he continues to rail against what he sees as a flawed process. “It is a scandal, this process of impeachment,” he wrote in one tweet. “Full of irremediable vices. It is a typical constitutional coup, a civil military uprising.”On his Twitter account, however, he continues to rail against what he sees as a flawed process. “It is a scandal, this process of impeachment,” he wrote in one tweet. “Full of irremediable vices. It is a typical constitutional coup, a civil military uprising.”
In another he wrote: “this impeachment process is clear: one side wants democracy, the other a coup.”In another he wrote: “this impeachment process is clear: one side wants democracy, the other a coup.”
Esse processo de impeachment é claro: de um lado, nós temos a democracia. Do outro, o golpe. pic.twitter.com/0NZgMsIQUaEsse processo de impeachment é claro: de um lado, nós temos a democracia. Do outro, o golpe. pic.twitter.com/0NZgMsIQUa