Brazil: What happens next if President Dilma Rousseff is impeached

(Baonghean.vn) - On April 17, the Brazilian House of Representatives voted to impeach President Dilma Rousseff, but the political crisis in the country with the largest economy in Latin America has not stopped there.

Ms Rousseff was charged with violating Brazil's financial laws amid the country's economic downturn. Photo: AP

Step by step impeachment

Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff is fighting hard for her political future. Congressmen are trying to remove her from the Senate. However, there are still a few hurdles ahead and the matter will be decided officially in a few months.

Before mid-May

Brazil's Senate will decide whether to approve the impeachment of Dilma after 10 sessions. If 41 of the 81 senators approve, Rousseff will have to leave office within 180 days while a congressional committee investigates the allegations. During this time, Rousseff will still be able to work in the office of the President, but Vice President Michel Temer will temporarily take over the country.

Within 180 days

A trial involving all members of the Senate, presided over by Brazil's chief justice, will judge Ms Rousseff. If two-thirds of the votes are in, Ms Rousseff will be removed from office and Mr Temer will become Brazil's president until the next election in 2018.

The secret cards

The impeachment of Dilma Rousseff at the Supreme Court could be overturned at any time, although few members are defending her.

In addition, Mr. Temer is also facing corruption charges. If the Brazilian House of Representatives continues to not support the Vice President, then Eduardo Cunha - the head of the House of Representatives, will become president.

Some Brazilian politicians are calling for early elections if Ms Rousseff is impeached. However, this would violate Brazilian law and the Constitution.

Incumbent President Rousseff is accused of manipulating government balance sheets to hide budget deficits during the 2004 election campaign. If incriminating evidence is found, both Ms. Rousseff and Mr. Temer will be stripped of their positions and a new election will be held.

Thanh Hien

(According to The Guardian)