Stand-in President Temer To Announce Cuts to State Spending and Support for Operation Lava Jato

05/12/2016 - 08h55

Following Dilma Rousseff's suspension from the role of Presidency, Vice President Michel Temer will take over at the Planalto Palace, the seat of government, this Thursday (12).

The Brazilian Democratic Movement Party (PMDB) member defined the main issues to be covered in his first speech as stand-in President: cuts to government spending as part of a massive effort to save the economy, as well as a pledge to support Operation Lava Jato.

He will also announce intentions to make peace among an increasingly polarised population.

Regarding the Federal Police's investigations into corruption at Petrobras, Temer said he will not support an intervention. The Vice pronounced himself a longstanding defender of national institutions' rights to work harmoniously together, but independently of one another.

The speech is being finalised at this moment at the Jaburu palace, Temer's head quarters, with help from councillors and select members of a political nucleus close to the Vice, such as Senator Romero Jucá (PMDB-RR) and his future Chief of Staff, Eliseu Padilha.

Temer wants his appointment ceremony to be short and sweet. The PMDB member will announce his new cabinet before making an approximately ten minute long speech.

His new officials may also take the opportunity to announce three provisory measures to be sent to Congress during Temer's first days in office. At least one of these will focus on a new economic stance, and another is expected to outline proposed Ministry appointments.

The senate confirmed in the early hours of the morning this Thursday (12) the approval of the impeachment process against Dilma Rousseff. She is suspended for 180 days and Temer takes up Presidency.

The PDMB is expected to assume governance in the Planalto Palace around three o'clock this afternoon (12). He will only enter the building following a sweep of the area by security personnel.

Temer is planning no fireworks to inaugurate his presidential debut. He will not arrive via the building's main entrance, and does not want to turn his arrival into a symbolic act. Instead, Temer will make his speech and swiftly appoint his chosen Ministers to their new positions.

Translated by GILLIAN SOPHIE HARRIS

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