Brazilian President Michel Temer will decree formal federal intervention in the state of Rio de Janeiro due to a worsening public safety situation, the president’s office said Friday. The decree is likely to be issued later Friday. Under Brazil’s 1988 Constitution, the decree must be approved by Congress. Chamber of Deputies Speaker Rodrigo Maia said the Chamber will vote on the decree no later than next Tuesday, with Senate action likely within hours after that. Maia said the decree will cause a delay in planned congressional voting on a critical pension reform bill. The bill comes in the form of a proposed constitutional amendment. Under Brazil’s Constitution, amendments cannot be approved during periods of formal intervention in state government affairs. The pension reform is considered crucial to reducing long-term government deficits and promoting investor confidence. Maia said it was still feasible to approve the proposal this year, possibly through a temporary suspension of the government’s intervention in Rio de Janeiro. The state and city of Rio de Janeiro suffered one of the most violent Carnival weeks in memory this week, including escalating incidents of gang violence. Under federal intervention, the president will appoint a temporary security coordinator, who will be empowered to use the Brazilian Army for security duties in the state.
Link to government news agency release
More Testimonials