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Dilma Rousseff faces impeachment vote in Brazil's Congress – live updates Dilma Rousseff faces impeachment vote in Brazil's Congress – live updates
(35 minutes later)
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Senator Ataides Oliveira, the last speaker before the Senate ended its first session, harkened back to the antics of the House of Deputies when it was his turn at the podium. He called for impeachment with arms waving, fists clenched and exhortations shouted to oust Rousseff from office.
This senator just busted into an actual operatic ~vibrato~ while denouncing Dilma Rousseff pic.twitter.com/jc9ZHTragb
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Jonathan WattsJonathan Watts
Compared to the rambunctious, overwhelming vote to impeach Dilma Rousseff in the House last month, the mood is considerably more sombre in the Senate, my colleague Jon Watts reports from the floor of the chamber.Compared to the rambunctious, overwhelming vote to impeach Dilma Rousseff in the House last month, the mood is considerably more sombre in the Senate, my colleague Jon Watts reports from the floor of the chamber.
“All the people here are broken hearted. We don’t want this, but it is unavaoidable. Brazil has come to a stop since last year,” claimed Senator Marcelo Crivella, who, outside of standing for the Brazilian Republican Party is also a gospel singer and bishop of the evangelical Universal Church of the Kingdom of God.“All the people here are broken hearted. We don’t want this, but it is unavaoidable. Brazil has come to a stop since last year,” claimed Senator Marcelo Crivella, who, outside of standing for the Brazilian Republican Party is also a gospel singer and bishop of the evangelical Universal Church of the Kingdom of God.
“We all recognise that [Rousseff] has done a good job during her life for the democracy of Brazil.”“We all recognise that [Rousseff] has done a good job during her life for the democracy of Brazil.”
Despite these respectful words, Crivella, who was once allied with her Workers Party government, said that he would vote for impeaching the president because the country is mired in crisis and needs a change of economic policy.Despite these respectful words, Crivella, who was once allied with her Workers Party government, said that he would vote for impeaching the president because the country is mired in crisis and needs a change of economic policy.
On the opposite side of the debate is Venessa Grazziotin, a senator from the Communist Party who is opposed to the suspension of the president.On the opposite side of the debate is Venessa Grazziotin, a senator from the Communist Party who is opposed to the suspension of the president.
“This is the saddest day in the history of our young democracy,” she told the Guardian. “This isn’t a valid constitutional process, it is a coup that goes against the opinion of the majority in the 2014 election.”“This is the saddest day in the history of our young democracy,” she told the Guardian. “This isn’t a valid constitutional process, it is a coup that goes against the opinion of the majority in the 2014 election.”
She had no hope that Rousseff might escape suspension, but the senator said the battle was not over. She hopes that in the coming months, Brazilians will realise they have been robbed of their rights by removing the president. “If they suspend her today, I’ll go to the streets to demand new elections,” Grazziotin said.She had no hope that Rousseff might escape suspension, but the senator said the battle was not over. She hopes that in the coming months, Brazilians will realise they have been robbed of their rights by removing the president. “If they suspend her today, I’ll go to the streets to demand new elections,” Grazziotin said.
The views of just two senators are obviously not representative of the entire chamber, but there does seem to be an effort to treat the moment with gravitas. That is partly what you would expect from the upper house – but it may also be because the boisterous and bizarre scenes of last month’s House vote, which saw deputies behaving in a way that shamed many Brazilians and led to deeply critical coverage overseas.The views of just two senators are obviously not representative of the entire chamber, but there does seem to be an effort to treat the moment with gravitas. That is partly what you would expect from the upper house – but it may also be because the boisterous and bizarre scenes of last month’s House vote, which saw deputies behaving in a way that shamed many Brazilians and led to deeply critical coverage overseas.
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Watchdog group Aos Fatos notes that 14 lawmakers are under investigation for corruption and graft in the Petrobras scandal, in which the state-run oil giant, businesses and lawmakers are accused of passing around $2bn worth of bribes for contracts.Watchdog group Aos Fatos notes that 14 lawmakers are under investigation for corruption and graft in the Petrobras scandal, in which the state-run oil giant, businesses and lawmakers are accused of passing around $2bn worth of bribes for contracts.
Journalist Rachel Glickhouse translates the linked tweet.Journalist Rachel Glickhouse translates the linked tweet.
Brazil's Senate: 14 legislators under investigation as part of Petrobras scandal; half plan to vote for impeachment. https://t.co/EOtnnXn0JeBrazil's Senate: 14 legislators under investigation as part of Petrobras scandal; half plan to vote for impeachment. https://t.co/EOtnnXn0Je
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Senator Ana Amélia Lemos has invoked Pope Francis in her time on the floor, quoting him: “I hope that Brazil will follow the path of harmony and peace.” Then she pulls out a copy of the Brazilian constitution as a prop.Senator Ana Amélia Lemos has invoked Pope Francis in her time on the floor, quoting him: “I hope that Brazil will follow the path of harmony and peace.” Then she pulls out a copy of the Brazilian constitution as a prop.
Lemos supports impeachment, and has fought back adamantly against critics and Rousseff supporters who say impeachment is a “coup”.Lemos supports impeachment, and has fought back adamantly against critics and Rousseff supporters who say impeachment is a “coup”.
.@anaamelialemos cita declaração de hj do papa Francisco: "Desejo que o Brasil siga pelo caminho da harmonia e da paz"..@anaamelialemos cita declaração de hj do papa Francisco: "Desejo que o Brasil siga pelo caminho da harmonia e da paz".
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While Brazilian newspapers have found that around 50 senators plan to vote for a trial, it’s not clear that Dilma Rousseff’s enemies have enough votes to bar her from office, the AP reports.While Brazilian newspapers have found that around 50 senators plan to vote for a trial, it’s not clear that Dilma Rousseff’s enemies have enough votes to bar her from office, the AP reports.
A survey by Folha of Sao Paulo suggests there are only 41 senators willing to remove her permanently, 13 fewer than needed. The House voted 367-137 last month in favor of impeachment.A survey by Folha of Sao Paulo suggests there are only 41 senators willing to remove her permanently, 13 fewer than needed. The House voted 367-137 last month in favor of impeachment.
“Dilma will be impeached for a variety of reasons,” said Marcos Troyjo, a professor at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs. “And the possibility of her coming back is zero.”“Dilma will be impeached for a variety of reasons,” said Marcos Troyjo, a professor at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs. “And the possibility of her coming back is zero.”
Rousseff herself hasn’t been implicated in the graft and corruption scandals that have swept up many members of her party – and of former president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s administration. Rousseff was Lula’s chief of staff and minister of energy – someone who should have known about the bribes and corruption that had taken hold of Brazil’s state-run oil giant, Petrobras.Rousseff herself hasn’t been implicated in the graft and corruption scandals that have swept up many members of her party – and of former president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s administration. Rousseff was Lula’s chief of staff and minister of energy – someone who should have known about the bribes and corruption that had taken hold of Brazil’s state-run oil giant, Petrobras.
“The people involved abused and took advantage of the opportunity to steal money in an absurd way,” said Tiago Gomes da Silva, a 33-year-old standing in line at an unemployment office in Rio de Janeiro. “This had to come to an end. And the actual government is directly linked to this.”“The people involved abused and took advantage of the opportunity to steal money in an absurd way,” said Tiago Gomes da Silva, a 33-year-old standing in line at an unemployment office in Rio de Janeiro. “This had to come to an end. And the actual government is directly linked to this.”
Brazil’s economy has also staggered into its worst recession in decades, in large part due to the plummeting prices of commodities and petroleum over the last few years. Inflation and unemployment are hovering around 10%, and in her second term Rousseff has enjoyed none of the oil and mining boom that so profited Lula at the polls. From the AP:Brazil’s economy has also staggered into its worst recession in decades, in large part due to the plummeting prices of commodities and petroleum over the last few years. Inflation and unemployment are hovering around 10%, and in her second term Rousseff has enjoyed none of the oil and mining boom that so profited Lula at the polls. From the AP:
“The problem in Brazil was the inflation,” Carlos Antonio Porto Goncalves, economics professor at the Getulio Vargas Foundation, said of Rousseff’s first years as president. “And the government, to fight inflation, raised interest rates to extremely high levels so demand decreased, and the recession came.”“The problem in Brazil was the inflation,” Carlos Antonio Porto Goncalves, economics professor at the Getulio Vargas Foundation, said of Rousseff’s first years as president. “And the government, to fight inflation, raised interest rates to extremely high levels so demand decreased, and the recession came.”
With all of this is a growing perception that Rousseff doesn’t have the casual charisma of many senators, which has divided many Brazilians into camps that see her as more honest than her peers or too unwilling to make deals.With all of this is a growing perception that Rousseff doesn’t have the casual charisma of many senators, which has divided many Brazilians into camps that see her as more honest than her peers or too unwilling to make deals.
“She is a woman with a knife in her boot,” said Alexandre Barros, a political consultant in Brasilia, using a popular phrase in Portuguese to describe tough women. “But she is not a politician.”“She is a woman with a knife in her boot,” said Alexandre Barros, a political consultant in Brasilia, using a popular phrase in Portuguese to describe tough women. “But she is not a politician.”
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A protester has shown up at Congress wearing a word that needs no translation. He points out that vice-president Michel Temer has also been found to have broken the law.A protester has shown up at Congress wearing a word that needs no translation. He points out that vice-president Michel Temer has also been found to have broken the law.
Impeach the lot of them, he says. Temer could very well have an abbreviated term – as could other lawmakers accused of corruption, taking bribes and other crimes.Impeach the lot of them, he says. Temer could very well have an abbreviated term – as could other lawmakers accused of corruption, taking bribes and other crimes.
First protesters arrive in front of Congress. This man thinks that Temer (VP) should also face an impeachment trial. pic.twitter.com/4jSvQTrfCvFirst protesters arrive in front of Congress. This man thinks that Temer (VP) should also face an impeachment trial. pic.twitter.com/4jSvQTrfCv
Rousseff has her supporters too, though. My colleague Ana Terra Athayde meets one outside Congress.Rousseff has her supporters too, though. My colleague Ana Terra Athayde meets one outside Congress.
"The poorest will suffer the most" in case there's a change in government, says this pro-Dilma protester pic.twitter.com/QQgInJcefU"The poorest will suffer the most" in case there's a change in government, says this pro-Dilma protester pic.twitter.com/QQgInJcefU
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Senate president Renan Calheiro has denied requests by Gleisi Hoffmann and Vanessa Grazziotin to delay the impeachment until the supreme court decides the president’s appeal over it.Senate president Renan Calheiro has denied requests by Gleisi Hoffmann and Vanessa Grazziotin to delay the impeachment until the supreme court decides the president’s appeal over it.
Renan nega pedidos de Gleisi e Vanessa para adiar votação do impeachment no Senado. Ao vivo https://t.co/j1rchrriRf pic.twitter.com/QCVAfAvwGwRenan nega pedidos de Gleisi e Vanessa para adiar votação do impeachment no Senado. Ao vivo https://t.co/j1rchrriRf pic.twitter.com/QCVAfAvwGw
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On what could be the last morning of her presidency, Dilma Rousseff went for a stroll … with what appear to be rheas.On what could be the last morning of her presidency, Dilma Rousseff went for a stroll … with what appear to be rheas.
Em dia de votação, Dilma prefere fazer caminhada à tradicional pedalada https://t.co/QNOZz1yAHp pic.twitter.com/kLKyEChw8AEm dia de votação, Dilma prefere fazer caminhada à tradicional pedalada https://t.co/QNOZz1yAHp pic.twitter.com/kLKyEChw8A
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Jota notes that there are 56 senators currently holding the quorum, though there are 81 senators in all. To impeach Rousseff her enemies need a simple majority of the senators present, not necessarily 41 needed with a full session. Voting’s expected to begin this evening.Jota notes that there are 56 senators currently holding the quorum, though there are 81 senators in all. To impeach Rousseff her enemies need a simple majority of the senators present, not necessarily 41 needed with a full session. Voting’s expected to begin this evening.
Corrigindo com ajuda dos seguidores: admissibilidade será aprovada com MAIORIA SIMPLES -mais da metade dos presentes, não 41 necessariamenteCorrigindo com ajuda dos seguidores: admissibilidade será aprovada com MAIORIA SIMPLES -mais da metade dos presentes, não 41 necessariamente
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Vice-president Michel Temer, of the Brazilian Democratic Movement Party, is waiting in the wings today to take over from Dilma Rousseff should she be impeached.Vice-president Michel Temer, of the Brazilian Democratic Movement Party, is waiting in the wings today to take over from Dilma Rousseff should she be impeached.
Rousseff has declared her running-mate and former ally a “usurper”, but his party is feeling good. They’re calling today the “day of hope”.Rousseff has declared her running-mate and former ally a “usurper”, but his party is feeling good. They’re calling today the “day of hope”.
É HOJE o dia da Esperança! Melhoria na qualidade de vida para todos os brasileiros. #UnidosComBrasil #SomosTemer pic.twitter.com/9pOer06L6zÉ HOJE o dia da Esperança! Melhoria na qualidade de vida para todos os brasileiros. #UnidosComBrasil #SomosTemer pic.twitter.com/9pOer06L6z
A year ago Temer was singing (or at least tweeting) a different tune: “Impeachment is unthinkable, would create an institutional crisis. There is no judicial or political basis for it.”A year ago Temer was singing (or at least tweeting) a different tune: “Impeachment is unthinkable, would create an institutional crisis. There is no judicial or political basis for it.”
“O impeachment é impensável, geraria uma crise institucional. Não tem base jurídica e nem política"“O impeachment é impensável, geraria uma crise institucional. Não tem base jurídica e nem política"
Temer is not free of the scandals entangling his new and old allies. He was fined last week for violating campaign finance limits, and although he can assume the presidency if Rousseff is ousted, he may be barred from running for office for years.Temer is not free of the scandals entangling his new and old allies. He was fined last week for violating campaign finance limits, and although he can assume the presidency if Rousseff is ousted, he may be barred from running for office for years.
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Senator Gleisi Hoffmann has asked the Senate president to postpone the vote on impeachment until the supreme court has decided on Rousseff’s appeal against the legality of the procedure.Senator Gleisi Hoffmann has asked the Senate president to postpone the vote on impeachment until the supreme court has decided on Rousseff’s appeal against the legality of the procedure.
Hoffmann was Rousseff’s chief of staff during her first term, from 2011-2014.Hoffmann was Rousseff’s chief of staff during her first term, from 2011-2014.
Gleisi pede a Renan que adie a votação do impeachment no Senado até que o STF julgue recurso do governo contra o processoGleisi pede a Renan que adie a votação do impeachment no Senado até que o STF julgue recurso do governo contra o processo
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The Senate session is finally underway, with the chamber’s president Renan Calheiro leading off with a long speech. There’s a steady din of senators chattering behind him. Portuguese speakers can follow along on Senate TV live here.The Senate session is finally underway, with the chamber’s president Renan Calheiro leading off with a long speech. There’s a steady din of senators chattering behind him. Portuguese speakers can follow along on Senate TV live here.
My colleague Jon Watts is in the room, with God himself, according to Calheiro.My colleague Jon Watts is in the room, with God himself, according to Calheiro.
Senate leader starts impeachment debate against Dilma, "with the protection of god I initiate our work." pic.twitter.com/ScRJzGIGcsSenate leader starts impeachment debate against Dilma, "with the protection of god I initiate our work." pic.twitter.com/ScRJzGIGcs
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The men and women of Brazil’s congress are a motley lot: several of their leaders are themselves accused of corruption, including Senate president Renan Calheiro.The men and women of Brazil’s congress are a motley lot: several of their leaders are themselves accused of corruption, including Senate president Renan Calheiro.
The Economist has compiled many of the strange reasons that federal deputies have given for their votes for and against impeachment so far, with translations.The Economist has compiled many of the strange reasons that federal deputies have given for their votes for and against impeachment so far, with translations.
You can read the full list (itself only a selection) here.You can read the full list (itself only a selection) here.
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Senate president Renana Calheiro is talking to the press in Brasilia, and said that the first session has already been delayed 45 minutes. Live looks at the Senate show around half of the senators haven’t arrived on time for one of the most consequential votes in modern Brazilian history.Senate president Renana Calheiro is talking to the press in Brasilia, and said that the first session has already been delayed 45 minutes. Live looks at the Senate show around half of the senators haven’t arrived on time for one of the most consequential votes in modern Brazilian history.
Sessão do impeachment já tem atraso de 45 minutos. Renan diz agora a jornalistas que "torceu" para que processo não chegasse ao SenadoSessão do impeachment já tem atraso de 45 minutos. Renan diz agora a jornalistas que "torceu" para que processo não chegasse ao Senado
Still no quorum to start session of #Brazil Senate - due to vote on #impeachment motion against president pic.twitter.com/jAjTTFBgkUStill no quorum to start session of #Brazil Senate - due to vote on #impeachment motion against president pic.twitter.com/jAjTTFBgkU
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My colleagues Jon Watts and Ana Athayde are in Brasilia helping cover the vote, and have sent along a quick guide of what we can expect from the Senate today.My colleagues Jon Watts and Ana Athayde are in Brasilia helping cover the vote, and have sent along a quick guide of what we can expect from the Senate today.
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Hello and welcome to our rolling coverage of the impeachment of Brazilian president Dilma Rousseff, who faces being forced out of office by an unruly Congress that has accused her of illegally manipulating government accounts.Hello and welcome to our rolling coverage of the impeachment of Brazilian president Dilma Rousseff, who faces being forced out of office by an unruly Congress that has accused her of illegally manipulating government accounts.
Rousseff’s nemesis in the affair is Eduardo Cunha, the machiavellian speaker of the House who is himself accused of corruption and has been suspended from his post. Similarly tangled up in the scandal are the former president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and his chief of staff (allies of Rousseff), vice-president Michel Temer, who was last week fined for violating campaign law, and two more enemies of the president. Senate president Renan Calheiros is being investigated in a bribery investigation involving Brazil’s state-run oil company, Petrobras, and opposition leader Aécio Neves has been criticzed for his family’s secret bank account in Lichtenstein.Rousseff’s nemesis in the affair is Eduardo Cunha, the machiavellian speaker of the House who is himself accused of corruption and has been suspended from his post. Similarly tangled up in the scandal are the former president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and his chief of staff (allies of Rousseff), vice-president Michel Temer, who was last week fined for violating campaign law, and two more enemies of the president. Senate president Renan Calheiros is being investigated in a bribery investigation involving Brazil’s state-run oil company, Petrobras, and opposition leader Aécio Neves has been criticzed for his family’s secret bank account in Lichtenstein.
It’s been chaotic. Protesters have taken to the streets for and against Rousseff, and even the lawmakers who’ve threatened her for months can’t seem to organize. On Monday the acting speaker of the House annulled the impeachment vote, claiming irregularities in the process, and was promptly challenged by senior senators. On Tuesday he changed his mind, clearing the way for an impeachment vote all over again.It’s been chaotic. Protesters have taken to the streets for and against Rousseff, and even the lawmakers who’ve threatened her for months can’t seem to organize. On Monday the acting speaker of the House annulled the impeachment vote, claiming irregularities in the process, and was promptly challenged by senior senators. On Tuesday he changed his mind, clearing the way for an impeachment vote all over again.
At the center of the struggle is Rousseff herself, a former Marxist guerrilla who was jailed and tortured in the 1970s and who, only a year and a half ago, won re-election in one of the nation’s largest democracies. Though she had managed to escape the corruption scandals that have plagued other lawmakers and her allies for years, a federal court last year said one of her economic measures in 2014 – taking loans from public banks to mask the economy’s troubles – was illegal.At the center of the struggle is Rousseff herself, a former Marxist guerrilla who was jailed and tortured in the 1970s and who, only a year and a half ago, won re-election in one of the nation’s largest democracies. Though she had managed to escape the corruption scandals that have plagued other lawmakers and her allies for years, a federal court last year said one of her economic measures in 2014 – taking loans from public banks to mask the economy’s troubles – was illegal.
If a simple majority of the 81 senators vote to impeach – 41 is the magic number – Rousseff will be suspended for 180 days while Congress weighs whether to remove her from office for good. If they do so, Temer will likely take over in her stead. Rousseff has vowed to fight until the end, and dubbed him a “usurper”.If a simple majority of the 81 senators vote to impeach – 41 is the magic number – Rousseff will be suspended for 180 days while Congress weighs whether to remove her from office for good. If they do so, Temer will likely take over in her stead. Rousseff has vowed to fight until the end, and dubbed him a “usurper”.
In the background of the political drama are very real woes. Brazil’s economy is in its worst recession in a quarter of a century, low oil prices have deflated one of its most important exports, and there are huge inequalities of wealth. The nation is also the epicenter of the Zika virus crisis, and set to host the hugely expensive Olympic games in Rio de Janeiro, a city as famous for its crime and favelas as its culture and beauty.In the background of the political drama are very real woes. Brazil’s economy is in its worst recession in a quarter of a century, low oil prices have deflated one of its most important exports, and there are huge inequalities of wealth. The nation is also the epicenter of the Zika virus crisis, and set to host the hugely expensive Olympic games in Rio de Janeiro, a city as famous for its crime and favelas as its culture and beauty.
Related: A warrior to the end: Dilma Rousseff a sinner and saint in impeachment fightRelated: A warrior to the end: Dilma Rousseff a sinner and saint in impeachment fight
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