Supreme Court Unanimously Decide to Suspend Lower House Speaker Eduardo Cunha

05/06/2016 - 10h56

Brazil's Supreme Court have voted unanimously to suspend the speaker of the lower house, Eduardo Cunha (PMDB-RJ), from his duties

The unprecedented decision to suspend the lower house speaker, made by Supreme Court Minister Teori Zavaski, has caused a stir in the political milieu.

The decision has received much criticism in the lower house, where the Supreme Court is believed to be interfering with affairs that do not come under its jurisdiction.

Nevertheless, the motion was approved unanimously by the Supreme Court.

Cunha has been suspended on the basis of accusations that he interfered in a trial against him. An angry Cunha claimed he was suffering unjust retaliation for having presided over the session that approved Dilma Rousseff's impeachment the month before.

He said he would lodge an appeal at the Supreme Court. In spite of this, various political parties have begun considering the possibility of elections for a new lower house President. In the meantime, the position will be filled by Waldir Maranhão (PP-MA).

The news was received by Michel Temer's team with relief - since it means they are rid of an uncomfortable ally - and concern - as Cunha was seen as vital for the approval of the Vice's legislative agenda.

In the Senate, the Attorney General of the Union, José Eduardo Cardozo, said that the suspension was another reason to support the annulling of the impeachment process.

But the STF's decision does not affect prior acts decided under Cunha's rule in the house. In Pará, Dilma echoed a slogan that has been doing the rounds on social media: "better late than never".

Translated by GILLIAN SOPHIE HARRIS

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