Ms. Rousseff ends 14-hour hearing before Senate

(Baonghean.vn) - During a 14-hour hearing before the Senate, suspended President Dilma Rousseff declared her innocence and called Vice President Michel Temer a "coup de fide". Ms. Rousseff also warned Brazilian lawmakers that history would judge them for overthrowing a democratically elected President.

Ms. Dilma Rousseff at a hearing before the Senate. Photo: AP.

During the recently concluded hearing, Dilma Rousseff appeared with her usual resolute attitude. “I know that I will be impeached, but my position is very clear. I do not admit any guilt,” Ms. Rousseff declared.

Many lawmakers listened attentively to her – a contrast to previous sessions involving impeachment proceedings. Lawyers for and against Ms. Rousseff were also present during Ms. Rousseff’s hearing.

In 2015, midway through her second term, Rousseff was accused of violating financial rules to cover up mismanagement of the national budget. However, Rousseff maintained that she had done nothing wrong.

Ms. Rousseff reminded the Senate that she was re-elected President for a second term with more than 54 million votes, and affirmed that she always complies with the Constitution and strives to do the best for the country and the Brazilian people.

A former guerrilla fighter who was imprisoned and tortured during the dictatorship, Ms. Rousseff spoke of the connection between her past and present experiences: “Even though I can do nothing, I know the bitterness of injustice.”

Ms Rousseff said that opposition lawmakers had created instability in early 2015 by refusing to discuss problems in the financial system and deliberately creating a scandal amid the country's economic difficulties. She also accused Vice President Michel Temer of being a "coup master." Mr Temer is currently acting president while Ms Rousseff is suspended. If Ms Rousseff is officially removed from office, Mr Temer would hold the position until December 2018.

In her final remarks, she called on the 81 lawmakers to support her: “I need all of you, regardless of party.”

To remove Ms. Rousseff from office, at least 54 out of 81 lawmakers need to vote in favor. According to a previous survey, 52 lawmakers said they supported Ms. Rousseff's removal, 18 were against and 11 were undecided.

It is expected that the Brazilian Senate will decide whether to remove her from office or not early in the morning of August 30 (local time, tonight Vietnam time).

Diep Khanh

(According to ABC)