Federal Prosecutor Tries to Remove Brazil's Environment Minister from Office every 23 Days

Prosecutors claim Ricardo Salles is deliberately working against the environment; Court refuses to accept cases

Brasília

But the courts have resisted the requests of the public prosecutors. There has already been a postponement of a trial, erroneous distribution of an appeal, delay in summoning the minister, and even a challenge by the public prosecutor's internal affairs department.

Twelve prosecutors filed an administrative misconduct action against Salles on July 6.

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro hugs Brazil's Environment Minister Ricardo Salles during a ceremony of Aviator's Day at Brasilia Air Base in Brasilia, Brazil October 23, 2020. REUTERS/Adriano Machado - REUTERS

Since this lawsuit, they have asked for the minister's immediate removal because of what they say are actions, omissions, practices, and speeches that led to what they call a dismantling of environmental policies.

Faced with denials by the Justice, even in judging the request, the prosecutors continue to appeal.

Folha questioned the minister's adviser on the accusations made by the MPF and the insistence on his removal from office. There was no answer.

Translated by Kiratiana Freelon

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