Tuesday, Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff lashed out at what she called “betrayal” and “conspiracy” in efforts to unseat her through congressional impeachment proceedings. The speech came one day after a Chamber of Deputies committee voted 38-27 in favor of the President’s impeachment. The full Chamber of Deputies could vote on an impeachment resolution as early as this coming weekend. Rousseff is accused of illegal budgetary practices and allowing rampant corruption in her administration. Rousseff called the impeachment drive “an open conspiracy to remove a democratically elected President.” Later, she said the movement amounted to “a coup d’etat,” claiming members of her own administration had betrayed her. Without naming names, she added, “The movement has a boss and the boss has a chief assistant.” The remark was widely interpreted to refer to Vice President Michel Temer and to Chamber of Deputies Speaker Eduardo Cunha. On Monday, members of congress leaked a tape showing Temer speaking as if he had already assumed the presidency. Rousseff referred to the tape indirectly, calling it “a farse” and proof of a conspiracy to grab power.
Link to government news agency release
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