With Dilma out of power and Temer struggling to lead the country out of recession, Brazilians seem more certain about what they do not want than about what kind of leader they need for the future.
The Brazilian Senate’s decision to remove Dilma Rousseff from the presidency ended a process that no Brazilian can feel proud about. The confirmation of Michel Temer as President until December 31, 2018 gives the government an opportunity to begin implementing much needed reforms to help the country get back on the path of economic growth, poverty reduction and expansion of rights. However, the wounds left by the impeachment process against Dilma might also end up costing President Temer dearly. A large number of Brazilians consider his government illegitimate and, given there are only 24 months before a new president is elected, Temer has an uphill path ahead. Brazilians who grew increasingly discontent with Dilma’s leadership will not be easily seduced by Temer.
The impeachment process and Dilma’s subsequent removal from office has left many open wounds. This past weekend, hundreds of thousands marched in different cities in opposition to Dilma’s ouster. Supporters of the Workers’ Party (PT) argue that the Brazilian Congress disrespected the choice made by 54.5 million voters who re-elected Dilma in October of 2014. Supporters of the impeachment argue that the occasion showed that people no longer tolerate corruption and that Brazilians institutions are strong and independent. Many Brazilians who are undecided over the legitimacy of the impeachment fear that the political class is fighting over who will lead the train headed to the cliff rather than trying to find a comprise to stop the train before the wreck.
To read more, please visit The Buenos Aires Herald.
