Brazil's Lower House Speaker and Opposition Discuss Way to Speed Up Impeachment Against Rousseff

08/05/2015 - 09h09

After breaking ties with Rousseff's administration, Eduardo Cunha, speaker of Brazil's lower house of Congress, from the Democratic Movement Party (PMDB), has lately been discussing with the opposition and with part of the government's allies a way to speed up an impeachment complaint against Rousseff.

The idea is to give the complaint a collective character, reducing the political risk he would take if he made such big decision on his own.

By law, Cunha is the one who decides if the impeachment complaints - there were 12 so far since Dilma Rousseff started her second term - have grounds to proceed or should be summarily archived. Cunha showed he intends to let the best filed complaints proceed.

On Monday night (3), Cunha discussed another possibility with his allies while they had dinner together.

In the new scenario, he would not approve the requests, but then some congressmen would appeal against his decision, which is permitted by the house's internal rules. Thus, the decision should then be taken by a simple majority of those present.

Behind the scenes, this political manoeuvre has two goals: minimize Cunha's political risks and embarrass allies loyal to Rousseff by showing to the public they will deny a lawsuit against the Workers' Party (PT).

If the voters decide to proceed with the impeachment complaint, a special commission will be created to issue an opinion to be appreciated by the plenary.

The case against Rousseff can only be launched and she can only be impeached with the support of at least two thirds of the deputies (342 of 513).

Cunha denied having discussed the matter on Monday's dinner, but under the condition of anonymity, Folha has confirmed the information with four members who attended the dinner.

The meeting hosted by Cunha followed a dinner offered to Rousseff by her allies. It was a totally anti-presidency meeting, even though some governing leaders were there.

Translated by JULIANA CALDERARI

Read the article in the original language

	Pedro Ladeira - 15.jul.15/Folhapress
	Eduardo Cunha is the speaker of the lower house of Congress