In the past few years Brazil’s economy had been booming which led to them getting the opportunity to host a summer Olympics and the World Cup. Unfortunately, dropping global commodity prices have only attributed to Brazil’s already stagnant economy. Rousseff’s mismanagement of money in her first term and Brazil’s already poor economic conditions only makes her an easier target for the public’s anger.
A corruption investigation known as Operation Car Wash was implemented to reprimand government officials and top businessmen. Government officials were in for a wake up call. Eduardo Cunha, the head of Brazil’s lower house, has been leading the impeachment charge. Just as he was on the hot seat being investigated for charges including money laundering and bribery, Rousseff became the scapegoat and target.
On Sunday there was a televised session where members of Congress explained the reasoning behind their decision when voting on Rousseff’s impeachment. According to The New York Times “They voted ‘for peace in Jerusalem,’ ‘for the truckers,’ ‘for the Free Masons of Brazil’ and ‘because of the Communism that threatens this country.’”
While these reasons all have some extent of validity, it’s clear that most of Congress wasn't basing their vote on the actual reason the impeachment vote was being held: Dilma Rousseff is accused of violating regulations regarding public finance. The government is supposed to meet a set budget surplus. Dilma is accused of stretching the numbers to prevent anymore backlash around the suffering budget.
Vice president Michel Temer is now stepping up as president while Rousseff awaits her impeachment trail.
For more Minnetonka and Digital Journalism updates, click here to follow us on Twitter!
By Madison Gagnon
By Madison Gagnon
No comments:
Post a Comment