Brazil’s Leader Faces Suspension

UESLEI MARCELINO—REUTERS

Brazil’s Leader Faces Suspension

Brazil’s senate voted 55-22 on Thursday to suspend president Dilma Rousseff and start an impeachment trial against her. The vote comes just months before Brazil hosts the Summer Olympics. Rousseff is accused of breaking the law by borrowing money from state banks to address the country’s budget problems. Her opponents insist that the country cannot begin to tackle its political, social, and financial issues until she is out of office. Rousseff’s supporters, however, say the impeachment trial is a political tool to force her to step aside.

The senate has 180 days to hold a trial and decide whether Rousseff should be permanently removed from office. In the meantime, Brazil’s vice president, Michael Temer, will serve as acting president.

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