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To Block Accusation, President Temer Overcame Allies' Distrust

08/07/2017 - 10h21

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DANIELA LIMA
FROM BRASÍLIA

President Michel Temer began that Thursday, May 18, with a pragmatic conversation. One of his most faithful allies said he would be "crushed" by the press, and that his family and allies would be all thoroughly scrutinized. He ended his analysis with a question: "Do you want to go through this, sir?".

President Temer was stunned and did not have an answer. It was the day after the JBS plea bargain became public as "O Globo" newspaper published the information. On the night of the 17th, one of Temer's advisors brought him the news.

Temer began to work step by step. First he needed to halt the relationship between the president of the Lower House, Rodrigo Maia, and the financial market. Then he would need to show that he was still capable of getting measures approved.

The labor reform was approved in the senate on July 11. The government took credit for the victory, although the document - a big favorite among businessmen - could walk on its own legs in the Congress.

Temer delved into small politics. He talked to hundreds of lawmakers. He told them that his honor was at stake in the voting that could stop the accusation made by the Prosecutor General, Rodrigo Janot.

The government began counting votes nearly every day. The president wanted to reach 260 congressmen, more than 50% of the Lower House. That would be enough to have supplementary laws approved.

On Wednesday, August 2, the government was ready to begin the game. Cabinet ministers were sent back to occupy their positions in the Lower House. Not only did they vote in favor of Temer, but they also listened to more requests made by lawmakers. Temer reached 263 votes.

Rodrigo Janot, who is leaving his position as the head of the Prosecutor General's Office in September, has promised to file yet another accusation. What weapon will he use?

"If it does come, we will see," said Moreira Franco, Minister of the General Secretary of the Presidency, last week as he was questioned on the subject. And thus they manage to get by with their maneuvers.

Translated by THOMAS MUELLO

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