Brazilian Crisis: The President is removed from office for up to 180 days

Friday, 13 of May 2016
By Camila Gomes

Brazil is currently facing the worst political crisis it has experienced in years.

Just a few days ago, on May 11, President Dilma Rousseff was removed from office by the Senate for up to 180 days, thus continuing the impeachment process she is undergoing.

The former president was accused of a crime committed on the basis of two aspects: 1) Six additional credit decrees issued by the President in 2015, and 2) tax pedalling (illegal credit transactions) also in 2015.

The government's defeat was predictable, given that the Workers Party (PT) has been losing alliances ever since the new term began on the 1^st of January 2014.

No one could have imagined the lack of support that followed, amongst most parties and politicians.

If the Congress’s tempers seem to have cooled down, across the country is a different story. Today, Brazil is experiencing division so severe as to endanger democracy, as pro and anti-government supporters fight in the streets.

Meanwhile, speeches full of hatred and political controversy circulate on the internet, especially on Facebook, one of the main means of discussing the subject in the country.

A little less than three months away from the Olympic Games 2016, the crisis continues and seems to have no end. With the economy struggling and unemployment rising, it’s time for Brazil to review their priorities to start to grow.