Facing Pressure, President Temer Hands Justice Ministry over to Faction of his Party

02/24/2017 - 11h29

The President Michel Temer gave into demands made by members of congress in the Brazilian Democratic Movement Party (PMDB) to give the party more positions in the federal government.

Osmar Serraglio, a congressman from Paraná, was chosen to head the Justice Ministry.

The appointment, which was a form of appeasing the group of congressmen, backfired.

Some congressmen are threatening to retaliate by boycotting the social security reform.

Fábio Ramalho (PMDB), a congressman from Minas Gerais and vice-president of the lower house, said he had cut ties with the federal government because a candidate he was backing, who was also from Minas Gerais, was not selected.

Rodrigo Pacheco (PMDB) was in the race, but he was brushed aside after statements he made against the investigative powers vested in the Public Prosecutor's office were made public.

Translated by THOMAS MATHEWSON

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