Former Brazilian <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/brazils-ex-president-michel-temer-freed-from-jail-judge-says-no-legal-grounds-for-detention-205628&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiYgZ_QrpDiAhVy73MBHWZKBOIQFjAAegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0PLmaUH4GkDWZuiv_AaAu7">President Michel Temer</a> on Thursday surrendered himself to the country`s federal police, marking the second time he will be jailed on allegations that he participated in a vast corruption scheme for decades.

Television images showed Temer leaving his home in<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-wallet-sao-paulo-gets-its-first-automated-store-217405&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjds_vrr5DiAhXu4nMBHXPDBhwQFjABegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2-yPFFFjF3MMNHbgOh8lCX"> Sao Paulo</a> and going into the offices of Brazil`s federal police there. On Wednesday, when the arrest warrant was issued, his attorney decried the decision and said it was an "injustice."

His lawyers had filed an appeal before his arrest that will be heard on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Temer, 78, led Brazil between 2016 and the end of 2018 following the impeachment of left-wing President Dilma Rousseff, under whom he served as vice president for six years. He was first jailed in March and held in a Rio de Janeiro facility, but was released a few days later.&nbsp;

As part of Brazil`s sprawling `Car Wash` anti-corruption probe, prosecutors allege that Temer led a "criminal organization" that took 1.8 billion reais ($455.52 million) in bribes, including kickbacks that were promised but have yet to be paid.&nbsp;

One of the schemes allegedly involved bribes that were from funds diverted from a nuclear power facility operated by a subsidiary of state-run Centrais Eletricas Brasileiras SA.&nbsp;While those allegations have led to the current arrest warrant, Temer has been charged six times overall in connection with different corruption investigations.&nbsp;

More than 150 politicians and businessmen have been convicted in connection with the "Car Wash" investigation, including left-wing ex-President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who has been in prison since last year.

Former Brazilian President Michel Temer on Thursday surrendered himself to the country`s federal police, marking the second time he will be jailed on allegations that he participated in a vast corruption scheme for decades.

Former Brazilian President Michel Temer on Thursday surrendered himself to the country`s federal police, marking the second time he will be jailed on allegations that he participated in a vast corruption scheme for decades. Television images showed Temer leaving his home in Sao Paulo and going into the offices of Brazil`s federal police there. On Wednesday, when the arrest warrant was issued, his attorney decried the decision and said it was an "injustice." His lawyers had filed an appeal before his arrest that will be heard on Tuesday. Temer, 78, led Brazil between 2016 and the end of 2018 following the impeachment of left-wing President Dilma Rousseff, under whom he served as vice president for six years. He was first jailed in March and held in a Rio de Janeiro facility, but was released a few days later. As part of Brazil`s sprawling `Car Wash` anti-corruption probe, prosecutors allege that Temer led a "criminal organization" that took 1.8 billion reais ($455.52 million) in bribes, including kickbacks that were promised but have yet to be paid. One of the schemes allegedly involved bribes that were from funds diverted from a nuclear power facility operated by a subsidiary of state-run Centrais Eletricas Brasileiras SA. While those allegations have led to the current arrest warrant, Temer has been charged six times overall in connection with different corruption investigations. More than 150 politicians and businessmen have been convicted in connection with the "Car Wash" investigation, including left-wing ex-President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who has been in prison since last year.

Former Brazil President Temer surrenders following new arrest warrant

Brazil's ex-president Michel Temer was free from jail on Monday as the judge said there were no legal grounds for his detention.

The 78-year-old predecessor of current far-right President Jair Bolsonaro <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazils-ex-president-michel-temer-arrested-reports-204712">was accused of money laundering scheme</a>. He was arrested on March 21 in Sao Paulo becoming the latest the second ex-president of the Latin American country to be caught up in an anti-corruption probe called Car Wash.

Launched in 2014, the Car Wash investigation uncovered a vast graft operation involving state oil firm Petrobras and major construction companies and bribes to politicians of several parties.

Former mines and energy minister Moreira Franco and other detained with Temer were also released.

"I am not against the so-called Car Wash (investigation)," judge Antonio Ivan Athie said in his decision.

"I want to see our country free from the corruption that plagues it. However, without constitutional guarantees, guaranteed to all ... there is no legitimacy in the fight against this plague," Athie added.

Despite evidence that could incriminate the accused, it "did not justify preventative detention", Athie said, pointing to the absence of proof that the accused were a threat to public order or would hide evidence.&nbsp;

Hours after the decision was taken, Temer left the jail and went in a car. The federal prosecutor's office said it would appeal the decision.&nbsp;

(With inputs from AFP)

Brazil's ex-president Michel Temer was free from jail on Monday as the judge said there were no legal grounds for his detention. The 78-year-old predecessor of current far-right President Jair Bolsonaro was accused of money laundering scheme.

Brazil's ex-president Michel Temer was free from jail on Monday as the judge said there were no legal grounds for his detention. The 78-year-old predecessor of current far-right President Jair Bolsonaro was accused of money laundering scheme. He was arrested on March 21 in Sao Paulo becoming the latest the second ex-president of the Latin American country to be caught up in an anti-corruption probe called Car Wash. Launched in 2014, the Car Wash investigation uncovered a vast graft operation involving state oil firm Petrobras and major construction companies and bribes to politicians of several parties. Former mines and energy minister Moreira Franco and other detained with Temer were also released. "I am not against the so-called Car Wash (investigation)," judge Antonio Ivan Athie said in his decision. "I want to see our country free from the corruption that plagues it. However, without constitutional guarantees, guaranteed to all ... there is no legitimacy in the fight against this plague," Athie added. Despite evidence that could incriminate the accused, it "did not justify preventative detention", Athie said, pointing to the absence of proof that the accused were a threat to public order or would hide evidence. Hours after the decision was taken, Temer left the jail and went in a car. The federal prosecutor's office said it would appeal the decision. (With inputs from AFP)

Brazil's ex-president Michel Temer freed from jail, judge says no legal grounds for detention

Brazil's ex-president Michel Temer was arrested Thursday, becoming the latest former leader of the Latin American country caught up in a sprawling anti-corruption probe that has already claimed dozens of political and corporate scalps.

Police arrested Temer, the 78-year-old predecessor of current far-right President Jair Bolsonaro, in Sao Paulo, a spokesman for the federal prosecutor's office in Rio de Janeiro told AFP.

Former mines and energy minister Moreira Franco was also detained along with six others, including business people, Brazilian news site G1 reported.&nbsp;

Temer, Brazil's most unpopular leader ever, faced several corruption accusations on leaving office last year.

He escaped action over two of the allegations in 2017 when Brazil's Congress voted to dismiss them, cementing his reputation as the ultimate survivor in one of the world's messiest and scandal-ridden democracies.

But the third accusation was filed days before Bolsonaro's mandate started on January 1, leaving Congress with no time to evaluate the charge.

Launched in 2014, the Car Wash investigation uncovered a vast graft operation involving state oil firm Petrobras and major construction companies and bribes to politicians of several parties.

The scale of the corruption uncovered stunned Brazilians, who have grown weary of graft among their leaders.&nbsp;

Live coverage of arrests

Temer is just the latest former president caught up in the probe that has rocked Brazil's business and political elites.

The center-right politician took over as a caretaker figure after the last Workers Party president, Dilma Rousseff, was impeached and removed from office in 2016, accused of cooking the government's books.

While Rousseff was not directly implicated in the Car Wash scandal, she was damaged by an association having chaired the board at Petrobras between 2003-2010, when much of the alleged corruption was flourishing.

Former leftist president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is serving a lengthy jail term after being found guilty in two corruption cases.&nbsp;

Far-right leader Bolsonaro campaigned on a hard line against corruption and crime and his victory in October's election was in part attributed to the Car Wash investigation.

Temer did not contest the ballot.

The probe was originally overseen by Brazil's current justice minister, former judge Sergio Moro, who jailed Lula. He has been replaced by Gabriela Hardt.

Local TV channels broadcast live coverage of the latest arrests -- much to the delight of many viewers.&nbsp;

As president, Temer was deeply unpopular among ordinary Brazilians. Whenever he spoke on television, horn honking and pot banging could be heard in major cities like Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo.&nbsp;

He was booed loudly at Maracana stadium when he opened the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics.

Brazil's ex-president Michel Temer was arrested Thursday, becoming the latest former leader of the Latin American country caught up in a sprawling anti-corruption probe that has already claimed dozens of political and corporate scalps.

Brazil's ex-president Michel Temer was arrested Thursday, becoming the latest former leader of the Latin American country caught up in a sprawling anti-corruption probe that has already claimed dozens of political and corporate scalps. Police arrested Temer, the 78-year-old predecessor of current far-right President Jair Bolsonaro, in Sao Paulo, a spokesman for the federal prosecutor's office in Rio de Janeiro told AFP. Former mines and energy minister Moreira Franco was also detained along with six others, including business people, Brazilian news site G1 reported. Temer, Brazil's most unpopular leader ever, faced several corruption accusations on leaving office last year. He escaped action over two of the allegations in 2017 when Brazil's Congress voted to dismiss them, cementing his reputation as the ultimate survivor in one of the world's messiest and scandal-ridden democracies. But the third accusation was filed days before Bolsonaro's mandate started on January 1, leaving Congress with no time to evaluate the charge. Launched in 2014, the Car Wash investigation uncovered a vast graft operation involving state oil firm Petrobras and major construction companies and bribes to politicians of several parties. The scale of the corruption uncovered stunned Brazilians, who have grown weary of graft among their leaders. Live coverage of arrests Temer is just the latest former president caught up in the probe that has rocked Brazil's business and political elites. The center-right politician took over as a caretaker figure after the last Workers Party president, Dilma Rousseff, was impeached and removed from office in 2016, accused of cooking the government's books. While Rousseff was not directly implicated in the Car Wash scandal, she was damaged by an association having chaired the board at Petrobras between 2003-2010, when much of the alleged corruption was flourishing. Former leftist president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is serving a lengthy jail term after being found guilty in two corruption cases. Far-right leader Bolsonaro campaigned on a hard line against corruption and crime and his victory in October's election was in part attributed to the Car Wash investigation. Temer did not contest the ballot. The probe was originally overseen by Brazil's current justice minister, former judge Sergio Moro, who jailed Lula. He has been replaced by Gabriela Hardt. Local TV channels broadcast live coverage of the latest arrests -- much to the delight of many viewers. As president, Temer was deeply unpopular among ordinary Brazilians. Whenever he spoke on television, horn honking and pot banging could be heard in major cities like Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. He was booed loudly at Maracana stadium when he opened the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics.

Brazil's ex-president Temer arrested in 'Car Wash' probe that claimed dozens of political, corporate scalps

Brazil's next government, under incoming <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-has-invited-brazils-president-elect-bolsonaro-to-us-john-bolton-180251">far-right president Jair Bolsonaro</a> who takes power in three weeks, will be neo-liberal economically, morally conservative and heavy reliant on a contingent of ex-military figures.

That's the final composition that has emerged after weeks of announcements and casting about to fill the top posts of 22 ministries, down from 29 in the outgoing administration.

Seven of the ministers will be military men. Eight have technocrat profiles. And seven are politicians.&nbsp;

All are united by fierce criticism of the leftwing governments that ruled under former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (2003-2010) -- who is now in prison for corruption -- and his protegee Dilma Rousseff (2011-2016) -- whose second mandate was cut short by impeachment.

Bolsonaro said at a ceremony on Monday he would govern "without distinction of social origin, race, sex, age or religion."

There are just two women in Bolsonaro's government, which is double the number in the outgoing lineup under President Michel Temer.&nbsp;

There are no blacks, despite half of Brazil's population being at least partly descended from Africans.

Oliver Stuenkel, a professor of international relations at the Getulio Vargas Foundation, said there were three distinct groups to be seen: "A nationalist, anti-globalist group that is oriented towards the populist politics of Donald Trump, a group of neo-liberals that controls the economic part, and another of military men with influence in various areas."

He added: "We'll soon see how the power play will work out between these three axes."

'Chicago Oldies'&nbsp;

A big challenge for Bolsonaro will be to bring Brazil's economy back to full health. The country exited its worst recession on record two years ago but has put in an anemic performance since.

To that end he has tapped Paulo Guedes, a product of the University of Chicago's economic liberalism, to head up an economy superministry in charge of finances, planning, trade and a chunk of the scrapped labour portfolio.

Guedes, a strong advocate of privatization and small government, has named a bunch of veteran economists -- nicknamed the "Chicago Oldies" by the Brazilian press -- to take charge of state oil company Petrobras, the central bank and the BNDES development bank.

"The formation of the economic team suggests that Guedes will enjoy fairly big autonomy to carry out the reform agenda without interference from other parts of the government," Thomaz Favaro, an analyst at the firm Control Risks, told AFP.

Anti-corruption&nbsp;

Another priority is to fight corruption and rampant crime.

Another superministry -- for justice this time -- will be under the command of Sergio Moro, a celebrated anti-graft judge who led the Car Wash investigation that led to Lula and other politicians being sent to prison.

But it remains to be seen how Moro will be able to operate under Bolsonaro's extreme right direction, with divergences already possible over the next president's push to ease gun laws and to label radical rural groups as "terrorists."

Wladimir Gramacho, a political sciences professor at the University of Brasilia, said Moro and Guedes, as well as Onyx Lorenzoni who will become Bolsonaro's chief of staff, "have the confidence of the three pillars supporting a government: Congress, the economy and public opinion."

Camouflage in cabinet&nbsp;

Brazil's 63-year-old leader-to-be has never hidden his nostalgia for the 1964-1985 military dictatorship he served, nor his intent to dose his cabinet with ex-military types.

In addition to the post of vice president, retired generals have been named as the ministers of defense, the secretariat of government, institutional security, mines and energy, science and technology, infrastructure, and the comptroller's office.

"We'll see what the military men in the future government bring and their interest in taking on greater portions of power," Gramacho told AFP.

God above all

Bolsonaro has also brought in people who share his ultraconservative values -- he is against abortion and gender identity as defined by individuals -- and his Christian faith, as well as his pro-US, anti-globalization, anti-left views that include scepticism toward climate change.

His future foreign minister, Ernesto Araujo, has promised to clean out any trace of "cultural Marxism" from his ministry. His education minister, a Colombian philosopher named Ricardo Velez Rodriguez, has stated that "it's nature that defines gender."

His environment minister is a lawyer, Ricardo Salles, who is sympathetic to the powerful rural sector according to Greenpeace and other groups fighting deforestation.

The new minister for human rights, women and the family will be a female evangelical pastor, Damares Alves, who has surprised some by saying she believed it was possible to have "a government of peace between the conservative movement, the LGBT movement and other movements."

Beef, Bullets, Bible&nbsp;

Bolsonaro has eschewed the custom of doling out ministries to parties supporting him.

Instead he has put some portfolios -- agriculture for instance -- in the hands of what is being called the "BBB" lobbies, standing for "Beef, Bullets and the Bible."

They cut across several parties and put forward the interests of Brazil's powerful agribusiness groups, gun advocates, and an influential and growing evangelical movement.

Brazil's next government, under incoming far-right president Jair Bolsonaro who takes power in three weeks, will be neo-liberal economically, morally conservative and heavy reliant on a contingent of ex-military figures.

Brazil's next government, under incoming far-right president Jair Bolsonaro who takes power in three weeks, will be neo-liberal economically, morally conservative and heavy reliant on a contingent of ex-military figures. That's the final composition that has emerged after weeks of announcements and casting about to fill the top posts of 22 ministries, down from 29 in the outgoing administration. Seven of the ministers will be military men. Eight have technocrat profiles. And seven are politicians. All are united by fierce criticism of the leftwing governments that ruled under former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (2003-2010) -- who is now in prison for corruption -- and his protegee Dilma Rousseff (2011-2016) -- whose second mandate was cut short by impeachment. Bolsonaro said at a ceremony on Monday he would govern "without distinction of social origin, race, sex, age or religion." There are just two women in Bolsonaro's government, which is double the number in the outgoing lineup under President Michel Temer. There are no blacks, despite half of Brazil's population being at least partly descended from Africans. Oliver Stuenkel, a professor of international relations at the Getulio Vargas Foundation, said there were three distinct groups to be seen: "A nationalist, anti-globalist group that is oriented towards the populist politics of Donald Trump, a group of neo-liberals that controls the economic part, and another of military men with influence in various areas." He added: "We'll soon see how the power play will work out between these three axes." 'Chicago Oldies' A big challenge for Bolsonaro will be to bring Brazil's economy back to full health. The country exited its worst recession on record two years ago but has put in an anemic performance since. To that end he has tapped Paulo Guedes, a product of the University of Chicago's economic liberalism, to head up an economy superministry in charge of finances, planning, trade and a chunk of the scrapped labour portfolio. Guedes, a strong advocate of privatization and small government, has named a bunch of veteran economists -- nicknamed the "Chicago Oldies" by the Brazilian press -- to take charge of state oil company Petrobras, the central bank and the BNDES development bank. "The formation of the economic team suggests that Guedes will enjoy fairly big autonomy to carry out the reform agenda without interference from other parts of the government," Thomaz Favaro, an analyst at the firm Control Risks, told AFP. Anti-corruption Another priority is to fight corruption and rampant crime. Another superministry -- for justice this time -- will be under the command of Sergio Moro, a celebrated anti-graft judge who led the Car Wash investigation that led to Lula and other politicians being sent to prison. But it remains to be seen how Moro will be able to operate under Bolsonaro's extreme right direction, with divergences already possible over the next president's push to ease gun laws and to label radical rural groups as "terrorists." Wladimir Gramacho, a political sciences professor at the University of Brasilia, said Moro and Guedes, as well as Onyx Lorenzoni who will become Bolsonaro's chief of staff, "have the confidence of the three pillars supporting a government: Congress, the economy and public opinion." Camouflage in cabinet Brazil's 63-year-old leader-to-be has never hidden his nostalgia for the 1964-1985 military dictatorship he served, nor his intent to dose his cabinet with ex-military types. In addition to the post of vice president, retired generals have been named as the ministers of defense, the secretariat of government, institutional security, mines and energy, science and technology, infrastructure, and the comptroller's office. "We'll see what the military men in the future government bring and their interest in taking on greater portions of power," Gramacho told AFP. God above all Bolsonaro has also brought in people who share his ultraconservative values -- he is against abortion and gender identity as defined by individuals -- and his Christian faith, as well as his pro-US, anti-globalization, anti-left views that include scepticism toward climate change. His future foreign minister, Ernesto Araujo, has promised to clean out any trace of "cultural Marxism" from his ministry. His education minister, a Colombian philosopher named Ricardo Velez Rodriguez, has stated that "it's nature that defines gender." His environment minister is a lawyer, Ricardo Salles, who is sympathetic to the powerful rural sector according to Greenpeace and other groups fighting deforestation. The new minister for human rights, women and the family will be a female evangelical pastor, Damares Alves, who has surprised some by saying she believed it was possible to have "a government of peace between the conservative movement, the LGBT movement and other movements." Beef, Bullets, Bible Bolsonaro has eschewed the custom of doling out ministries to parties supporting him. Instead he has put some portfolios -- agriculture for instance -- in the hands of what is being called the "BBB" lobbies, standing for "Beef, Bullets and the Bible." They cut across several parties and put forward the interests of Brazil's powerful agribusiness groups, gun advocates, and an influential and growing evangelical movement.

Brazil president-elect Bolsonaro government has military, conservative streak

Brazilian Tennis star Maria Bueno breathed her last on Friday after losing her battle to mouth cancer. She was 78.

Bueno won 19 major titles during her career in the 1950s and 60s, including three Wimbledon singles titles and four US championships.

Her career was shortened by elbow problems, which she blamed on the heavy wooden rackets of the time.

Brazilian President Michel Temer paid tributes to the star, tweeting that she would be remembered as "the number one of tennis in the hearts of all Brazilians".

Born in the city of Sao Paulo, Maria Esther Bueno made history as the first South American woman to win the Wimbledon singles title.

She went on to win the Wimbledon doubles that same year alongside American Althea Gibson.

Her career was shortened by elbow problems, which she blamed on the heavy wooden rackets of the time.

Brazilian Tennis star Maria Bueno breathed her last on Friday after losing her battle to mouth cancer. She was 78. Bueno won 19 major titles during her career in the 1950s and 60s, including three Wimbledon singles titles and four US championships. Her career was shortened by elbow problems, which she blamed on the heavy wooden rackets of the time. Brazilian President Michel Temer paid tributes to the star, tweeting that she would be remembered as "the number one of tennis in the hearts of all Brazilians". Born in the city of Sao Paulo, Maria Esther Bueno made history as the first South American woman to win the Wimbledon singles title. She went on to win the Wimbledon doubles that same year alongside American Althea Gibson.

'19 Grand Slam title' winner Maria Bueno passes away

Days after Brazil government reached a deal with transport union which was rejected by Brazilian Association of Truckers rejected the deal Brazilian President Michel Temer lowered the price of diesel on Monday in second attempt to end the truckers' strike which continued for seven days.

The diesel prices have been cut by 46 Brazilian cents ($0.13) per litre which would be maintained for 60 days.

The diesel rates the would be adjusted monthly.

It has also signed a bill which will allow truckers not to pay the toll on rear axles when not in use.

President&nbspMichel Temer announced this in a televised speech.

However, there is no confirmation on whether the truckers' has accepted the government's agreement.

The country whose economy runs largely on road transport was crippled for a week after truckers' union was on strike.

The demonstrators are protesting against the rising diesel prices, as they blocked main roads in nearly all states of Brazil which already has limited rail services.

Following the strike airports and gas stations were running out of fuel as well as agricultural exports was also hit.&nbsp

Air services were also affected. According to reports, Brasilia, the capital of Brazil allowed landings of the planes which had enough fuel to take off again.&nbsp

Various abattoirs had also halted operations, affecting a key export sector.&nbsp

Following the supply problem people also faced a hike in prices of fruits and vegetables. In some places, prices were reportedly hiked up to 400 per cent.

Pump prices were also higher as long lines were formed at many gas stations.

Also read:&nbsp<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-government-reaches-deal-with-transportation-unions-strike-to-halt-for-15-days-139586">Brazil government reaches deal with transportation unions, strike to halt for 15 days</a>

The diesel prices have been cut by 46 Brazilian cents ($0.13) per litre which would be maintained for 60 days

Days after Brazil government reached a deal with transport union which was rejected by Brazilian Association of Truckers rejected the deal Brazilian President Michel Temer lowered the price of diesel on Monday in second attempt to end the truckers' strike which continued for seven days. The diesel prices have been cut by 46 Brazilian cents ($0.13) per litre which would be maintained for 60 days. The diesel rates the would be adjusted monthly. It has also signed a bill which will allow truckers not to pay the toll on rear axles when not in use. President&nbspMichel Temer announced this in a televised speech. However, there is no confirmation on whether the truckers' has accepted the government's agreement. The country whose economy runs largely on road transport was crippled for a week after truckers' union was on strike. The demonstrators are protesting against the rising diesel prices, as they blocked main roads in nearly all states of Brazil which already has limited rail services. Following the strike airports and gas stations were running out of fuel as well as agricultural exports was also hit. Air services were also affected. According to reports, Brasilia, the capital of Brazil allowed landings of the planes which had enough fuel to take off again. Various abattoirs had also halted operations, affecting a key export sector. Following the supply problem people also faced a hike in prices of fruits and vegetables. In some places, prices were reportedly hiked up to 400 per cent. Pump prices were also higher as long lines were formed at many gas stations. Also read: Brazil government reaches deal with transportation unions, strike to halt for 15 days

Brazil: President Michel Temer reduces diesel price as measure to end crippling strike

After days of continued nationwide strike by Truckers in Brazil, the government and transport unions reached a deal to suspend the strike which&nbspcaused a massive shortage of fuel and food in various areas.&nbsp

President Michel Temer's chief of staff, Eliseu Padilha told reporters that the Union heads representing truckers have committed to "suspend the strike movement for 15 days when a new meeting with the government will be held."

The announcement was made on the night of the fourth day of the strike after the seven hours of negotiations with transportation unions.

After the negotiations on Thursday, the government has also assured to abolish at least one tax on diesel and implement subsidies to maintain a temporary 10 per cent fuel price reduction.

The demonstrators are protesting against the rising diesel prices, as the blocked main roads in nearly all states of Brazil which already has limited rail services.

Brazil's economy runs largely on road transport, and truckers are on strike from past four days paralyzing transportation of the country.

Following the strike airports and gas stations were running out of fuel as well as agricultural exports was also hit.&nbsp

Air services were also affected. According to reports, Brasilia, the capital of Brazil allowed landings of the planes which had enough fuel to take off again.&nbsp

However, no flight cancellations were reported.

In the port of Santos near Sao Paulo -- the largest in Latin America -- there were virtually no arrivals or departures of trucks for three days, the management said, even if the "loading and unloading operations of ships continues normally" for now.

School were also closed during the strike.

Various abattoirs have also halted operations, affecting a key export sector.&nbsp

Following the supply problem people also faced a hike in prices of fruits and vegetables. In some places, prices were reportedly hiked up to 400 per cent.

Pump prices were also higher as long lines were formed at many gas stations.

The increase in the diesel price is the result of a politically sensitive decision made in late 2016 to allow the Petrobras oil giant autonomy over its pricing, as well as a rise in world prices in recent weeks.

But the determination of the truckers caught centre-right President Michel Temer's government flat-footed, five months ahead of presidential elections.

As a way of defusing an increasingly out-of-control situation, Petrobras yielded to pressure on Wednesday and reduced fuel prices for 15 days, sending its shares plunging by around 14 per cent on the Sao Paulo stock market by the close on Thursday.

As a temporary measure on Wednesday's night, the lower house of Congress had decided to eliminate the two taxes on diesel until the end of the year. However, it is yet to be approved&nbspby Senate.

(With inputs from AFP)

After days of continued nationwide strike by Truckers in Brazil, the government and transport unions reached a deal to suspend the strike which caused a massive shortage of fuel and food in various areas

After days of continued nationwide strike by Truckers in Brazil, the government and transport unions reached a deal to suspend the strike which&nbspcaused a massive shortage of fuel and food in various areas. President Michel Temer's chief of staff, Eliseu Padilha told reporters that the Union heads representing truckers have committed to "suspend the strike movement for 15 days when a new meeting with the government will be held." The announcement was made on the night of the fourth day of the strike after the seven hours of negotiations with transportation unions. After the negotiations on Thursday, the government has also assured to abolish at least one tax on diesel and implement subsidies to maintain a temporary 10 per cent fuel price reduction. The demonstrators are protesting against the rising diesel prices, as the blocked main roads in nearly all states of Brazil which already has limited rail services. Brazil's economy runs largely on road transport, and truckers are on strike from past four days paralyzing transportation of the country. Following the strike airports and gas stations were running out of fuel as well as agricultural exports was also hit. Air services were also affected. According to reports, Brasilia, the capital of Brazil allowed landings of the planes which had enough fuel to take off again. However, no flight cancellations were reported. In the port of Santos near Sao Paulo -- the largest in Latin America -- there were virtually no arrivals or departures of trucks for three days, the management said, even if the "loading and unloading operations of ships continues normally" for now. School were also closed during the strike. Various abattoirs have also halted operations, affecting a key export sector. Following the supply problem people also faced a hike in prices of fruits and vegetables. In some places, prices were reportedly hiked up to 400 per cent. Pump prices were also higher as long lines were formed at many gas stations. The increase in the diesel price is the result of a politically sensitive decision made in late 2016 to allow the Petrobras oil giant autonomy over its pricing, as well as a rise in world prices in recent weeks. But the determination of the truckers caught centre-right President Michel Temer's government flat-footed, five months ahead of presidential elections. As a way of defusing an increasingly out-of-control situation, Petrobras yielded to pressure on Wednesday and reduced fuel prices for 15 days, sending its shares plunging by around 14 per cent on the Sao Paulo stock market by the close on Thursday. As a temporary measure on Wednesday's night, the lower house of Congress had decided to eliminate the two taxes on diesel until the end of the year. However, it is yet to be approved&nbspby Senate. (With inputs from AFP)

Brazil government reaches deal with transportation unions, strike to halt for 15 days

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Saturday backed air strikes by the United States and its allies on Syria's chemical weapons program but Argentina, Brazil and Peru voiced caution during a regional summit about the escalating military action.

Speaking at the Summit of the Americas in Peru, Trudeau and several other Western Hemisphere leaders forcefully condemned the use of chemical weapons, following a suspected poison gas attack last week in a Damascus suburb that killed up to 75 people and sparked international outcry.

Washington blamed Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government for the attack and, together with Britain and France, launched missile strikes overnight on what it said were Syrian chemical weapons facilities.

"Canada stands with our friends in this necessary response and we condemn in the strongest possible terms the use of chemical weapons in last week's attack," Trudeau said in his speech. "Those responsible must be brought to justice."

But the retaliatory action drew pleas for caution from several Latin American countries.

"There's deep concern in Brazil with the escalation of military conflict in Syria," Brazilian President Michel Temer told the summit. "It's time to find permanent solutions based on international law to a war that has been going for far too long and ended too many lives."

Peru, a non-permanent member of the UN&nbsp;Security Council, called for moderation from all parties involved in Syria and said it was working to find a political solution, according to a foreign ministry statement.

Argentine President Mauricio Macri also appealed for greater coordination on Syria "in the framework of existing international commitments", remarks later echoed by Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto.

Outside the summit, the strikes drew swift condemnation from left-leaning governments in Bolivia and Cuba, outspoken critics of US&nbsp;influence.

But Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos, a close US&nbsp;ally in Latin America, appeared to back Washington as he condemned chemical weapons.

"We support actions to punish their use and seek their total elimination," Santos said.

The Pentagon said the missile strikes in Syria had hit every target. It said the military action was aimed at delivering an unambiguous signal to the Syrian government and deterring the future use of chemical weapons.

The official theme of the Summit of the Americas is the fight against corruption. Many countries in attendance are also expected to condemn a pending election in Venezuela.

But Syria, China and trade loomed over the talks on Saturday as Washington seeks to advance the agenda of U.S. President Donald Trump, which is widely unpopular in the region.

Trump canceled his attendance at the summit to focus on Syria. US Vice President Mike Pence, filling in for him, was expected to discuss Syria in his speech on Saturday and in meetings with heads of state.

Nafta talks

Pence met with Pena Nieto privately at the summit. The Mexican leader told reporters they would discuss not just the renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) but also maintaining a relationship of "mutual respect" between their two countries.

Pence and Pena Nieto kept their remarks to reporters extremely brief - in contrast to the more expansive and warmer tone struck by Pence and Trudeau during the public part of a meeting held minutes earlier.

Trudeau said there was "positive momentum" on reworking the NAFTA accord - which groups Canada, Mexico and the United States - while Pence said talks were encouraging.

"As the president said very recently, we think we're close," Pence said before starting the meeting with Pena Nieto. "We are hopeful that we can conclude a successful renegotiation of NAFTA."

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Saturday backed air strikes by the United States and its allies on Syria's chemical weapons program but Argentina, Brazil and Peru voiced caution during a regional summit about the escalating military action

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Saturday backed air strikes by the United States and its allies on Syria's chemical weapons program but Argentina, Brazil and Peru voiced caution during a regional summit about the escalating military action. Speaking at the Summit of the Americas in Peru, Trudeau and several other Western Hemisphere leaders forcefully condemned the use of chemical weapons, following a suspected poison gas attack last week in a Damascus suburb that killed up to 75 people and sparked international outcry. Washington blamed Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government for the attack and, together with Britain and France, launched missile strikes overnight on what it said were Syrian chemical weapons facilities. "Canada stands with our friends in this necessary response and we condemn in the strongest possible terms the use of chemical weapons in last week's attack," Trudeau said in his speech. "Those responsible must be brought to justice." But the retaliatory action drew pleas for caution from several Latin American countries. "There's deep concern in Brazil with the escalation of military conflict in Syria," Brazilian President Michel Temer told the summit. "It's time to find permanent solutions based on international law to a war that has been going for far too long and ended too many lives." Peru, a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, called for moderation from all parties involved in Syria and said it was working to find a political solution, according to a foreign ministry statement. Argentine President Mauricio Macri also appealed for greater coordination on Syria "in the framework of existing international commitments", remarks later echoed by Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto. Outside the summit, the strikes drew swift condemnation from left-leaning governments in Bolivia and Cuba, outspoken critics of US influence. But Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos, a close US ally in Latin America, appeared to back Washington as he condemned chemical weapons. "We support actions to punish their use and seek their total elimination," Santos said. The Pentagon said the missile strikes in Syria had hit every target. It said the military action was aimed at delivering an unambiguous signal to the Syrian government and deterring the future use of chemical weapons. The official theme of the Summit of the Americas is the fight against corruption. Many countries in attendance are also expected to condemn a pending election in Venezuela. But Syria, China and trade loomed over the talks on Saturday as Washington seeks to advance the agenda of U.S. President Donald Trump, which is widely unpopular in the region. Trump canceled his attendance at the summit to focus on Syria. US Vice President Mike Pence, filling in for him, was expected to discuss Syria in his speech on Saturday and in meetings with heads of state. Nafta talks Pence met with Pena Nieto privately at the summit. The Mexican leader told reporters they would discuss not just the renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) but also maintaining a relationship of "mutual respect" between their two countries. Pence and Pena Nieto kept their remarks to reporters extremely brief - in contrast to the more expansive and warmer tone struck by Pence and Trudeau during the public part of a meeting held minutes earlier. Trudeau said there was "positive momentum" on reworking the NAFTA accord - which groups Canada, Mexico and the United States - while Pence said talks were encouraging. "As the president said very recently, we think we're close," Pence said before starting the meeting with Pena Nieto. "We are hopeful that we can conclude a successful renegotiation of NAFTA."

Canada backs Syria strikes but others concerned at Americas summit

The UN Security Council on Monday strongly condemned North Korea&#39;s latest missile test and vowed to push all countries to tighten sanctions against Pyongyang.

In a unanimous statement backed by China, Pyongyang`s ally, the council instructed its sanctions committee to redouble efforts to implement a raft of tough measures adopted last year.

The council also agreed to &quot;take further significant measures including sanctions&quot; to force North Korea to change course and end its &quot;highly destabilizing behavior&quot;.

The Security Council will hold a closed-door emergency meeting Tuesday at the request of Japan, South Korea and the United States to discuss further action in response to the latest missile test.

The US-drafted statement was nearly identical to one adopted last week after the launch of an intermediate-range missile that Pyongyang said was capable of carrying a &quot;heavy&quot; nuclear warhead.

The council demanded that North Korea &quot;conduct no further nuclear and ballistic missile tests&quot;.

North Korea on Sunday fired the Pukguksong-2, which uses solid fuel that allows for immediate firing, the state-run Korean Central News Agency said.

It was the latest test-firing in a series this year as Pyongyang steps up its efforts to develop an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of hitting the United States.

(AFP)

Temer last week refused to resign in the face of new corruption allegations against him and his closest aides, putting his government and its reform agenda on the brink of collapse

The UN Security Council on Monday strongly condemned North Korea's latest missile test and vowed to push all countries to tighten sanctions against Pyongyang. In a unanimous statement backed by China, Pyongyang`s ally, the council instructed its sanctions committee to redouble efforts to implement a raft of tough measures adopted last year. The council also agreed to "take further significant measures including sanctions" to force North Korea to change course and end its "highly destabilizing behavior". The Security Council will hold a closed-door emergency meeting Tuesday at the request of Japan, South Korea and the United States to discuss further action in response to the latest missile test. The US-drafted statement was nearly identical to one adopted last week after the launch of an intermediate-range missile that Pyongyang said was capable of carrying a "heavy" nuclear warhead. The council demanded that North Korea "conduct no further nuclear and ballistic missile tests". North Korea on Sunday fired the Pukguksong-2, which uses solid fuel that allows for immediate firing, the state-run Korean Central News Agency said. It was the latest test-firing in a series this year as Pyongyang steps up its efforts to develop an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of hitting the United States. (AFP)

Brazil: Protests erupt against scandal-hit President Temer demanding his ouster

Barely a week after he assumed office after the impeachment of his predecessor Dilma Rousseff,&nbsp;Brazil&#39;s new President Michel Temer and his government have got embroiled in a multibillion dollar scandal involving the country&#39;s largest pension funds. &nbsp; 
 
The government scrambled onTuesday to distance itself from the scandal a day after police arrested five people linked to dubious investments by four huge pension funds of state-run companies, Reuters reported.&nbsp; 
 
Dozens of businessmen and fund managers are suspected of involvement in the fraud scheme valued at around 8 billion reais ($2.5 billion), including the chief executive of the world&#39;s biggest beef exporter, it said.&nbsp; 
 
The South American nation is already reeling from a bribery and kickback scandal at state oil company Petrobras after its first woman president was stripped off presidency last week following a nine-month impeachment battle. She was convicted on charges of fudging convicted her on charges of fudging the government&#39;s budget by taking unauthorised state loans.&nbsp; 
 
In such a scenario, the new corruption case could hamper the conservative Temer&#39;s efforts to restore credibility who vowed to pass reforms to get the formerly booming economy back on track. He has to serve out the rest of Rousseff`s term until elections in 2018. 
 
Temer government assures investigation 
 
Reacting to the scandal, Temer&#39;s office said the appointments were made during the 13 years of Workers Party rule that ended with Rousseff&#39;s removal. The &quot;irregularities&quot; uncovered by the police had nothing to do with the current administration, the President&#39;s office asserted.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;The Workers Party appointed the pension fund directors from the moment it took office in 2003 and they were closely linked to the unions,&quot; a Temer aide told Reuters on conditions of anonymity.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;The Workers Party was responsible for the big loss suffered, ironically, by the workers of the state companies who were saving for their retirement,&quot; the aide said. &quot;This has not even scratched the image of the new government.&quot; 
 
The new government will press for a thorough investigation, the aide assured.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;It will also pushes through proposed legislation that will depoliticise the appointment to directors of state companies.&quot;&nbsp; 
 
The investigation into pension funds scandal focuses on investments in overpriced assets, including private equity funds with artificially inflated share prices, according to the federal police. 
 
About 50 politicians are already under investigation under probe in the Petrobas scandal. The coveted appointments of directors to the funds&#39; boards were made by political parties and the probe is expected to spread to Brazil&#39;s political establishment.&nbsp; 
 
Meanwhile, the Workers Party declined to comment on the investigation but its president, Rui Falcao, denounced as &quot;arbitrary&quot; a raid and seizure of documents at the home of the party&#39;s former treasurer Joao Vaccari, jailed a year ago in the Petrobras scandal. Interestingly,&nbsp;Temer&#39;s Brazilian Democratic Movement Part has been deeply implicated in the Petrobas scandal.&nbsp;

 
(WION with inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

The multi-billion dollar scandal broke less than a week after Michel Temer replaced Dilma Rousseff as Brazil's President

Barely a week after he assumed office after the impeachment of his predecessor Dilma Rousseff, Brazil's new President Michel Temer and his government have got embroiled in a multibillion dollar scandal involving the country's largest pension funds. The government scrambled onTuesday to distance itself from the scandal a day after police arrested five people linked to dubious investments by four huge pension funds of state-run companies, Reuters reported. Dozens of businessmen and fund managers are suspected of involvement in the fraud scheme valued at around 8 billion reais ($2.5 billion), including the chief executive of the world's biggest beef exporter, it said. The South American nation is already reeling from a bribery and kickback scandal at state oil company Petrobras after its first woman president was stripped off presidency last week following a nine-month impeachment battle. She was convicted on charges of fudging convicted her on charges of fudging the government's budget by taking unauthorised state loans. In such a scenario, the new corruption case could hamper the conservative Temer's efforts to restore credibility who vowed to pass reforms to get the formerly booming economy back on track. He has to serve out the rest of Rousseff`s term until elections in 2018. Temer government assures investigation Reacting to the scandal, Temer's office said the appointments were made during the 13 years of Workers Party rule that ended with Rousseff's removal. The "irregularities" uncovered by the police had nothing to do with the current administration, the President's office asserted. "The Workers Party appointed the pension fund directors from the moment it took office in 2003 and they were closely linked to the unions," a Temer aide told Reuters on conditions of anonymity. "The Workers Party was responsible for the big loss suffered, ironically, by the workers of the state companies who were saving for their retirement," the aide said. "This has not even scratched the image of the new government." The new government will press for a thorough investigation, the aide assured. "It will also pushes through proposed legislation that will depoliticise the appointment to directors of state companies." The investigation into pension funds scandal focuses on investments in overpriced assets, including private equity funds with artificially inflated share prices, according to the federal police. About 50 politicians are already under investigation under probe in the Petrobas scandal. The coveted appointments of directors to the funds' boards were made by political parties and the probe is expected to spread to Brazil's political establishment. Meanwhile, the Workers Party declined to comment on the investigation but its president, Rui Falcao, denounced as "arbitrary" a raid and seizure of documents at the home of the party's former treasurer Joao Vaccari, jailed a year ago in the Petrobras scandal. Interestingly, Temer's Brazilian Democratic Movement Part has been deeply implicated in the Petrobas scandal. (WION with inputs from Reuters)

Brazil's new government denies role in new pension fund scandal

Police resorted to use of tear gas on Sunday as thousands of demonstrators took to streets in&nbsp;Sao Paulo city of Brazil to protest&nbsp;the removal of leftist president Dilma Rousseff last week in an impeachment trial. 
 
Agitators likened Rouseff&#39;s overthrow by Michel&nbsp;Temer to a coup. This was the largest wave of demonstration against the new President, the Reuters reported. 
 
Rouseff was ousted on Wednesday following the months-long impeachment trial.&nbsp;Senators voted 61-20 to convict Rousseff for illegal use of money from state banks to boost public spending.&nbsp;Temer, Rousseff&#39;s former vice-president, has been leading the country since her suspension and will complete the remainder of her term through 2018. 
 
Carrying anti-Temer banners, protesters made their way down Sao Paulo&#39;s central Avenida Paulista, chanting &quot;Out with Temer&quot;.&nbsp;The organisers said 50,000 people, including families with children,&nbsp;turned out for the march.&nbsp; 
 
As the rally ended and demonstrators headed for metro entrances, riot police fired tear gas canisters that caused panic and led to clashes. Police justified the crackdown saying&nbsp;they were forced to intervene &quot;to stop vandalism at the end of a peaceful march&quot;.&nbsp; 
 
Former senator and candidate for city council, Eduardo Suplicy, called for a vote to allow voters to decide if Temer should serve Rousseff&#39;s remaining term. 
 
At the rally, Suplicy said, &quot;To show the people&#39;s real feelings and so President Temer knows what the Brazilian people are thinking about the coup that was carried out against president Dilma (Rousseff) who did not commit an impeachable offence, much less a crime. She is a serious person who always worked for the good of the Brazilian people&quot;. 
 
Temer aims to shift the economy to the right and vowed to boost a shrinking economy and implement austerity measures, to close the gaping void in Brazil&#39;s budget, which cost its investment grade rating. 
 
Gustavo Amigo, a demonstrator said, this move would be against the wishes of the Brazilian people. 
 
&quot;Because the Temer government is going to look to make anti-democratic reforms that go against the people. And we&#39;re here to show that the people still have power and that despite the coup, we are here in the street to bring down the (current) government and call for a new election.&quot; 
 
(WION with input from Agencies) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
&nbsp;

Carrying anti-Temer banners, protesters made their way down Sao Paulo's central Avenida Paulista, chanting 'Out with Temer'

Police resorted to use of tear gas on Sunday as thousands of demonstrators took to streets in Sao Paulo city of Brazil to protest the removal of leftist president Dilma Rousseff last week in an impeachment trial. Agitators likened Rouseff's overthrow by Michel Temer to a coup. This was the largest wave of demonstration against the new President, the Reuters reported. Rouseff was ousted on Wednesday following the months-long impeachment trial. Senators voted 61-20 to convict Rousseff for illegal use of money from state banks to boost public spending. Temer, Rousseff's former vice-president, has been leading the country since her suspension and will complete the remainder of her term through 2018. Carrying anti-Temer banners, protesters made their way down Sao Paulo's central Avenida Paulista, chanting "Out with Temer". The organisers said 50,000 people, including families with children, turned out for the march. As the rally ended and demonstrators headed for metro entrances, riot police fired tear gas canisters that caused panic and led to clashes. Police justified the crackdown saying they were forced to intervene "to stop vandalism at the end of a peaceful march". Former senator and candidate for city council, Eduardo Suplicy, called for a vote to allow voters to decide if Temer should serve Rousseff's remaining term. At the rally, Suplicy said, "To show the people's real feelings and so President Temer knows what the Brazilian people are thinking about the coup that was carried out against president Dilma (Rousseff) who did not commit an impeachable offence, much less a crime. She is a serious person who always worked for the good of the Brazilian people". Temer aims to shift the economy to the right and vowed to boost a shrinking economy and implement austerity measures, to close the gaping void in Brazil's budget, which cost its investment grade rating. Gustavo Amigo, a demonstrator said, this move would be against the wishes of the Brazilian people. "Because the Temer government is going to look to make anti-democratic reforms that go against the people. And we're here to show that the people still have power and that despite the coup, we are here in the street to bring down the (current) government and call for a new election." (WION with input from Agencies)

Thousands demonstrate in Brazil's Sao Paulo against new President

After the Senate vote that removed former Brazilian president Dilma Roussef from office on Wednesday, country&#39;s governing coalition has sought to overturn the decision to allow her to remain politically active.&nbsp; 
 
An unexpected second vote in the Brazilian Senate has allowed Rousseff to seek further political office. &nbsp; 
 
Major parties in the coalition pressed the Supreme court on Friday to override the Senate&#39;s decision. 
 
&nbsp;&quot;They did a last-minute legal trick and guaranteed the former president&#39;s political rights,&quot; Senator Jose Medeiros, of the Social Democratic Party, said on Friday.&nbsp; 
 
His motion was joined by another from the Democrats party and the Brazilian Social Democracy Party, two heavyweights in the coalition assembled by the new President Michel Temer, following a similar motion by Green Party Senator Alvaro Dias on Thursday. 
 
The Senate on August 31 had voted to remove Rousseff from power for paralysing the economy by manipulating the federal budget.&nbsp; 
 
&ldquo;Political plan is to oppose the government&rdquo; 
 
Rousseff, who has denied any wrongdoing, said that the Senate made the decision because they were undecided whether the charges levelled against her validated the ban to disallow her to serve in a public office for the next eight years. 
 
She said she would remain politically active to oppose the &#39;&#39;illegitimate&#39;&#39; government of President Michel Temer. Temer was sworn in as Brazil&#39;s new president three hours after Rousseff&#39;s ouster.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;My political plan is to oppose this government,&quot; she said. 
 
Rousseff&#39;s lawyer Jose Eduardo Cardozo said the attempt deny her political rights will not yield results because the Supreme Court would have to annul both votes in the Senate since one had influenced the other. 
 
(WION with inputs from Reuters)

The move comes after a second Senate vote allowed Rousseff to seek political office despite mass charges of corruption

After the Senate vote that removed former Brazilian president Dilma Roussef from office on Wednesday, country's governing coalition has sought to overturn the decision to allow her to remain politically active. An unexpected second vote in the Brazilian Senate has allowed Rousseff to seek further political office. Major parties in the coalition pressed the Supreme court on Friday to override the Senate's decision. "They did a last-minute legal trick and guaranteed the former president's political rights," Senator Jose Medeiros, of the Social Democratic Party, said on Friday. His motion was joined by another from the Democrats party and the Brazilian Social Democracy Party, two heavyweights in the coalition assembled by the new President Michel Temer, following a similar motion by Green Party Senator Alvaro Dias on Thursday. The Senate on August 31 had voted to remove Rousseff from power for paralysing the economy by manipulating the federal budget. “Political plan is to oppose the government” Rousseff, who has denied any wrongdoing, said that the Senate made the decision because they were undecided whether the charges levelled against her validated the ban to disallow her to serve in a public office for the next eight years. She said she would remain politically active to oppose the ''illegitimate'' government of President Michel Temer. Temer was sworn in as Brazil's new president three hours after Rousseff's ouster. "My political plan is to oppose this government," she said. Rousseff's lawyer Jose Eduardo Cardozo said the attempt deny her political rights will not yield results because the Supreme Court would have to annul both votes in the Senate since one had influenced the other. (WION with inputs from Reuters)

Brazilian parties urge Supreme Court to bar Rousseff from politics

Brazil&#39;s Senate voted today to remove suspended President Dilma Rousseff for breaking budget laws, putting an end to 13 years of leftist rule over Latin America&#39;s biggest country and ending an impeachment process that has paralysed politics for nine months. 
 
Former vice president, Michel Temer, who has served as interim president since the Senate trial began, was sworn in as Brazil&#39;s president at 19:00 GMT to serve the remainder of her term to the end of 2018. 
 
Senators voted 61-20 to convict Rousseff for illegally using money from state banks to boost public spending. The senate will hold a separate vote on whether to bar her from public office for eight years after she is removed, the magistrate overseeing her trial ruled. &nbsp; 
 
In an emotional speech on Monday, Brazil&#39;s first woman president Rousseff told the Senate she was innocent and said that abuse of the impeachment process put Brazil&#39;s democracy, restored in 1985 after a two-decades-long military dictatorship, at risk. 
 
Recalling how she was tortured and imprisoned in the 1970s for belonging to a leftist guerrilla group, Rousseff urged senators to &quot;vote against impeachment, vote for democracy... Do not accept a coup.&quot; 
 
Her opponents, however, hailed the chance to turn the page on a drawn-out political crisis, the country&#39;s worst recession in generations and a sweeping corruption scandal at state oil company Petrobras. 
 
Rousseff&#39;s popularity fell into single figures in polls this year due to the Petrobras graft investigation and the recession that many Brazilians blame on her government&#39;s interventionist policies. 
 
After Rouseff was suspended in May, Temer immediately named a new government with the aim of shifting the economy to the right and vowed to boost a shrinking economy and implement austerity measures to plug a record budget deficit which cost Brazil its investment-grade credit rating last year. &nbsp; 
 
He is popular with investors, but it remains uncertain whether he will have voters&#39; support to push through the painful austerity reforms he promises.&nbsp; 
 
(WION with inputs from agencies)

Senators voted 61-20 to convict Rousseff for illegally using money from state banks to boost public spending

Brazil's Senate voted today to remove suspended President Dilma Rousseff for breaking budget laws, putting an end to 13 years of leftist rule over Latin America's biggest country and ending an impeachment process that has paralysed politics for nine months. Former vice president, Michel Temer, who has served as interim president since the Senate trial began, was sworn in as Brazil's president at 19:00 GMT to serve the remainder of her term to the end of 2018. Senators voted 61-20 to convict Rousseff for illegally using money from state banks to boost public spending. The senate will hold a separate vote on whether to bar her from public office for eight years after she is removed, the magistrate overseeing her trial ruled. In an emotional speech on Monday, Brazil's first woman president Rousseff told the Senate she was innocent and said that abuse of the impeachment process put Brazil's democracy, restored in 1985 after a two-decades-long military dictatorship, at risk. Recalling how she was tortured and imprisoned in the 1970s for belonging to a leftist guerrilla group, Rousseff urged senators to "vote against impeachment, vote for democracy... Do not accept a coup." Her opponents, however, hailed the chance to turn the page on a drawn-out political crisis, the country's worst recession in generations and a sweeping corruption scandal at state oil company Petrobras. Rousseff's popularity fell into single figures in polls this year due to the Petrobras graft investigation and the recession that many Brazilians blame on her government's interventionist policies. After Rouseff was suspended in May, Temer immediately named a new government with the aim of shifting the economy to the right and vowed to boost a shrinking economy and implement austerity measures to plug a record budget deficit which cost Brazil its investment-grade credit rating last year. He is popular with investors, but it remains uncertain whether he will have voters' support to push through the painful austerity reforms he promises. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Brazil's senate votes to oust Rousseff, Temer sworn in

Suspended Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff defended he record in the impeachment trial in the Senate on Monday saying the trial was a &#39;coup&#39; and that she was innocent.&nbsp; 
 
Rousseff is accused of manipulating the government budget. She was suspended in May pending the impeachment trial which is now underway. 
 
Brazil, under Rousseff, has been rife with corruption revelations including the Petrobras scandal.&nbsp; 
 
Private firms and politicians have been accused of stealing millions from the state oil giant Petrobras. 
 
Her removal from the office will mark an end to the 13 years of the rule by the leftist Workers&#39; Party.&nbsp; 
 
Rousseff insisted that she has been unjustly accused of the crimes she did not commit.&nbsp; 
 
&ldquo;I did not commit the crimes for which I have been accused unjustly and arbitrarily,&rdquo; she said.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;I cannot help but taste the bitterness of injustice. But like I did in the past, I resist. Don&#39;t expect me to stay silent like a coward.&quot;&nbsp; 
 
Rousseff was welcomed by cheering supporters in the Senate as she arrived hours before the voting began. The voting is likely to last till Wednesday (August 30). 
 
54 out of 81 senators would have to vote for her impeachment for her to be removed from the presidency. 
 
Brazil has also been paralysed by an economic recession and a political standoff, as her opponents claim. They have widened the accusation that Rousseff mishandled the economy, hence contributing to Brazil&#39;s eventual slide into recession.&nbsp; 
 
&#39;Vote for democracy&#39; 
 
Michel Temer, Brazil&#39;s vice-president, will be confirmed as president till the presidential elections in 2018 if Rousseff is impeached.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;The future of Brazil is at stake,&quot; she said, warning of dangers Temer&#39;s interim government will pose. 
 
She, however, thanked the Senators who stood by her side and supported her.&nbsp; 
 
A lot of supporters outside the Senate backed Rousseff for being the scapegoat of a right-wing coup that has accused her of fraudulent charges.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;I am fighting to defend democracy and the dignity of the people. This has been a persecution against the Workers&#39; Party, Dilma and the Brazilian people,&quot; &nbsp;one of about 100 protesters outside the Senate told AFP. 
 
According to AFP, supporters are highly sympathetic towards Rousseff. Temer&#39;s popularity, however, is likely to be marred by his purported illegitimacy as an unelected president.&nbsp; 
 
(WION with inputs from AFP)

Rousseff insisted she has been unjustly accused of crimes she did not commit and that she won't stay silent like a 'coward'

Suspended Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff defended he record in the impeachment trial in the Senate on Monday saying the trial was a 'coup' and that she was innocent. Rousseff is accused of manipulating the government budget. She was suspended in May pending the impeachment trial which is now underway. Brazil, under Rousseff, has been rife with corruption revelations including the Petrobras scandal. Private firms and politicians have been accused of stealing millions from the state oil giant Petrobras. Her removal from the office will mark an end to the 13 years of the rule by the leftist Workers' Party. Rousseff insisted that she has been unjustly accused of the crimes she did not commit. “I did not commit the crimes for which I have been accused unjustly and arbitrarily,” she said. "I cannot help but taste the bitterness of injustice. But like I did in the past, I resist. Don't expect me to stay silent like a coward." Rousseff was welcomed by cheering supporters in the Senate as she arrived hours before the voting began. The voting is likely to last till Wednesday (August 30). 54 out of 81 senators would have to vote for her impeachment for her to be removed from the presidency. Brazil has also been paralysed by an economic recession and a political standoff, as her opponents claim. They have widened the accusation that Rousseff mishandled the economy, hence contributing to Brazil's eventual slide into recession. 'Vote for democracy' Michel Temer, Brazil's vice-president, will be confirmed as president till the presidential elections in 2018 if Rousseff is impeached. "The future of Brazil is at stake," she said, warning of dangers Temer's interim government will pose. She, however, thanked the Senators who stood by her side and supported her. A lot of supporters outside the Senate backed Rousseff for being the scapegoat of a right-wing coup that has accused her of fraudulent charges. "I am fighting to defend democracy and the dignity of the people. This has been a persecution against the Workers' Party, Dilma and the Brazilian people," one of about 100 protesters outside the Senate told AFP. According to AFP, supporters are highly sympathetic towards Rousseff. Temer's popularity, however, is likely to be marred by his purported illegitimacy as an unelected president. (WION with inputs from AFP)

Brazil's Dilma Rousseff defends record, calls impeachment trial a coup

The impeachment trial of Brazil&#39;s suspended president Dilma Rousseff will be&nbsp;opened today. The Senate will hear witnesses for and against Rousseff who has&nbsp;charges of breaking budget laws against her. 
 
Brazil&#39;s first female president, Rousseff will appear before 81 senators on&nbsp;Monday. Her opponents are confident of having more than 54 votes needed to&nbsp;convict her. 
 
The votes that came in late on Tuesday pointed towards Vice President Michel&nbsp;Temer taking over as Brazil&#39;s leader for the rest of the term upto 2018. 
 
This will mark the end of a 13-year-long leftwing Workers Party (PT) rule. 
 
Temer&#39;s right-leaning government expect at least 60 senators to vote against&nbsp;Rousseff. 
 
The next president will face an uphill task of leading the country&#39;s economy out&nbsp;of its recession. 
 
Charges against Rousseff include spending without Congressional approval&nbsp;and manipulating government accounts to disguise the extent of the deficit in&nbsp;the run-up to her 2014 re-election. 
 
Financial markets have rallied on prospects of a more market friendly&nbsp;government, with the real currency rising around 30 per cent against the dollar&nbsp;this year. 
 
Temer&#39;s team has sought to speed up the trial in order to begin the process of&nbsp;restoring confidence in the economy. 
 
Once sworn in by the Senate, the next president is expected to address the&nbsp;nation before heading to the summit of the G20 group of leading economies in&nbsp;Hangzhou, China on September 4-5. 
 
Rousseff, who earlier belonged to a left-wing guerrilla group, has refused to&nbsp;resign to &quot;ensure that she is being ousted illegally.&quot; 
 
&quot;I committed no crime. To stop this happening again, I must go to the Senate to&nbsp;defend Brazil&#39;s democracy, the political views that I advocate and the legitimate&nbsp;rights of the Brazilian people,&quot; she said. 
 
(WION with inputs from agencies)

Rousseff has been charged with spending without Congressional approval?and manipulating government accounts

The impeachment trial of Brazil's suspended president Dilma Rousseff will be opened today. The Senate will hear witnesses for and against Rousseff who has charges of breaking budget laws against her. Brazil's first female president, Rousseff will appear before 81 senators on Monday. Her opponents are confident of having more than 54 votes needed to convict her. The votes that came in late on Tuesday pointed towards Vice President Michel Temer taking over as Brazil's leader for the rest of the term upto 2018. This will mark the end of a 13-year-long leftwing Workers Party (PT) rule. Temer's right-leaning government expect at least 60 senators to vote against Rousseff. The next president will face an uphill task of leading the country's economy out of its recession. Charges against Rousseff include spending without Congressional approval and manipulating government accounts to disguise the extent of the deficit in the run-up to her 2014 re-election. Financial markets have rallied on prospects of a more market friendly government, with the real currency rising around 30 per cent against the dollar this year. Temer's team has sought to speed up the trial in order to begin the process of restoring confidence in the economy. Once sworn in by the Senate, the next president is expected to address the nation before heading to the summit of the G20 group of leading economies in Hangzhou, China on September 4-5. Rousseff, who earlier belonged to a left-wing guerrilla group, has refused to resign to "ensure that she is being ousted illegally." "I committed no crime. To stop this happening again, I must go to the Senate to defend Brazil's democracy, the political views that I advocate and the legitimate rights of the Brazilian people," she said. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Brazil Senate to open Rousseff's impeachment trial

A Senate impeachment committee voted on Thursday to put suspended Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff on trial in the full chamber for breaking budget laws, opening the way for her to be removed from office. 
 
The 21-member committee voted 14-5 to try Rousseff for allegedly doctoring government accounts to allow more public spending in the run-up to her 2014 re-election. 
 
Her impeachment would mark the end of 13 years of rule by the left-of-centre Workers Party. Along with a string of corruption scandals, it has already set off Brazil&#39;s worst political crisis in decades as the country prepares to host the Olympic Games in the midst of a severe recession. 
 
The political uncertainty has kept most foreign leaders away from the Games, which open on Friday in Rio de Janeiro.&nbsp;The Senate will vote next Tuesday whether to accept the charges against Rousseff and begin her trial that should reach a verdict at the end of the month.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;The committee vote confirms not only that Rousseff knowingly broke fiscal laws, but also that she was a dishonest administrator,&quot; committee member, Senator Ricardo Ferra?o, told reporters.&nbsp; 
 
Surveys by Brazilian media indicate that more than two-thirds of the senators favour removing the leftist leader, which would confirm interim President Michel Temer in her place for the remainder of her term through 2018.&nbsp; 
 
Rousseff has denied she broke budget laws, and maintains she is the victim of a right-wing conspiracy to overthrow her government that advanced the interests of Brazil&#39;s poor. Her office declined to comment on the committee vote.&nbsp;Rousseff is accused of altering official budget figures and using funds from state-run banks to cover up the real state of Brazil`s faltering economy as she ran for re-election. 
 
Her trial in the Senate would be presided over by Chief Justice Ricardo Lewandowski, whose office said proceedings could start on August 26 and last about a week. 
 
Brazil&#39;s stock market and currency have strengthened since Rousseff was suspended by the Senate on May 12, as investors bet on her removal and the confirmation of Temer,&nbsp;who has outlined policies favouring private business. 
 
Only 28 heads of state and government have confirmed their attendance at the Summer Olympics, far fewer than the 50 expected by organisers last week, Brazilian government sources told Reuters on Wednesday. 
 
They said there have been no requests so far for bilateral meetings with Temer, a conservative who Rousseff has accused of being part of the conspiracy against her. 
 
Temer&#39;s chief of staff Eliseu Padilha said the interim president was Brazil&#39;s constitutional head of state, but he acknowledged to reporters in Rio that doubts about the current interregnum had kept foreign leaders away.&nbsp; 
 
(Reuters) 
&nbsp;

The Senate Committee voted 14-5 to put Dilma Rousseff on trial for breaking budget laws in the run-up to her 2014 re-election

A Senate impeachment committee voted on Thursday to put suspended Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff on trial in the full chamber for breaking budget laws, opening the way for her to be removed from office. The 21-member committee voted 14-5 to try Rousseff for allegedly doctoring government accounts to allow more public spending in the run-up to her 2014 re-election. Her impeachment would mark the end of 13 years of rule by the left-of-centre Workers Party. Along with a string of corruption scandals, it has already set off Brazil's worst political crisis in decades as the country prepares to host the Olympic Games in the midst of a severe recession. The political uncertainty has kept most foreign leaders away from the Games, which open on Friday in Rio de Janeiro. The Senate will vote next Tuesday whether to accept the charges against Rousseff and begin her trial that should reach a verdict at the end of the month. "The committee vote confirms not only that Rousseff knowingly broke fiscal laws, but also that she was a dishonest administrator," committee member, Senator Ricardo Ferra?o, told reporters. Surveys by Brazilian media indicate that more than two-thirds of the senators favour removing the leftist leader, which would confirm interim President Michel Temer in her place for the remainder of her term through 2018. Rousseff has denied she broke budget laws, and maintains she is the victim of a right-wing conspiracy to overthrow her government that advanced the interests of Brazil's poor. Her office declined to comment on the committee vote. Rousseff is accused of altering official budget figures and using funds from state-run banks to cover up the real state of Brazil`s faltering economy as she ran for re-election. Her trial in the Senate would be presided over by Chief Justice Ricardo Lewandowski, whose office said proceedings could start on August 26 and last about a week. Brazil's stock market and currency have strengthened since Rousseff was suspended by the Senate on May 12, as investors bet on her removal and the confirmation of Temer, who has outlined policies favouring private business. Only 28 heads of state and government have confirmed their attendance at the Summer Olympics, far fewer than the 50 expected by organisers last week, Brazilian government sources told Reuters on Wednesday. They said there have been no requests so far for bilateral meetings with Temer, a conservative who Rousseff has accused of being part of the conspiracy against her. Temer's chief of staff Eliseu Padilha said the interim president was Brazil's constitutional head of state, but he acknowledged to reporters in Rio that doubts about the current interregnum had kept foreign leaders away. (Reuters)

Brazil Senate committee clears way for suspended President Rousseff's impeachment

Police restored order in a northern state of Brazil on Monday after three nights of violence unleashed by a criminal gang that set off bombs, torched dozens of buses and fired shots at government buildings, authorities said.

The wave of violence in Rio Grande do Norte, around 1,553 miles (2,500 kms) north of Rio de Janeiro, was triggered by a plan to move some of the gang&#39;s leaders serving time in the state&#39;s main penitentiary to other jails, and in response to the blocking of their cellphone communications, officials said.

Brazil&#39;s President Michel Temer, seeking to quell the violence just days before the Olympic Games open in Rio, authorized the dispatch of 1,000 soldiers and 200 marines to the state on Sunday. No Olympic events are taking place in Rio Grande do Norte.

&quot;We are winning this war,&quot; the state&#39;s security chief, Army General Ronaldo Lundgren, told Reuters by telephone. &quot;The number of incidents is dropping,&quot; he said of the violence in the capital Natal and about 20 other towns across the state.

His office said 65 people suspected of committing acts of violence and vandalism had been arrested since Friday.

Among them was an alleged founder of the gang, Joao Maria dos Santos, 32, aka John the Magician, who used a false pass in December to escape from the penitentiary where he was serving a 20-year sentence for organised crime, drug trafficking and illegal weapons possession.

Dos Santos was arrested on Sunday with 302,000 reais ($92,600) in cash, 20 kilos of crack cocaine, two handguns, jewellery, watches and 68 cellphones, a police statement said.

It said 26 buses had been destroyed by fire, four buildings had been shot at and four bombs exploded across the state. No injuries were reported.

Some schools were closed after a school bus was set on fire. 
 
(Reuters)

A criminal gang set off bombs, torched dozens of buses and fired shots at government buildings for three days

Police restored order in a northern state of Brazil on Monday after three nights of violence unleashed by a criminal gang that set off bombs, torched dozens of buses and fired shots at government buildings, authorities said. The wave of violence in Rio Grande do Norte, around 1,553 miles (2,500 kms) north of Rio de Janeiro, was triggered by a plan to move some of the gang's leaders serving time in the state's main penitentiary to other jails, and in response to the blocking of their cellphone communications, officials said. Brazil's President Michel Temer, seeking to quell the violence just days before the Olympic Games open in Rio, authorized the dispatch of 1,000 soldiers and 200 marines to the state on Sunday. No Olympic events are taking place in Rio Grande do Norte. "We are winning this war," the state's security chief, Army General Ronaldo Lundgren, told Reuters by telephone. "The number of incidents is dropping," he said of the violence in the capital Natal and about 20 other towns across the state. His office said 65 people suspected of committing acts of violence and vandalism had been arrested since Friday. Among them was an alleged founder of the gang, Joao Maria dos Santos, 32, aka John the Magician, who used a false pass in December to escape from the penitentiary where he was serving a 20-year sentence for organised crime, drug trafficking and illegal weapons possession. Dos Santos was arrested on Sunday with 302,000 reais ($92,600) in cash, 20 kilos of crack cocaine, two handguns, jewellery, watches and 68 cellphones, a police statement said. It said 26 buses had been destroyed by fire, four buildings had been shot at and four bombs exploded across the state. No injuries were reported. Some schools were closed after a school bus was set on fire. (Reuters)

Brazil quells gang violence in northern state, 65 arrested

Hundreds of peaceful protesters marched on Sunday on Rio de Janeiro&#39;s Copacabana beach to demand the ouster of suspended President Dilma Rousseff, a reminder of the political upheaval that has convulsed Brazil in the run-up to the Olympics. 
 
Five days before the Games open, both anti- and pro-Rousseff rallies were held in at least 10 other states, most drawing relatively small crowds, as she faces an impeachment process that is likely to permanently remove her from power within weeks. 
 
Those who rallied in Rio, some with Brazil&#39;s flag draped over their shoulders and nearly all wearing the national colors of yellow and green, chanted &quot;Out Dilma! Out corruption!&quot; 
 
Those same messages were written in English on banners for the foreign tourists to see as they flocked to the crescent-shaped Copacabana beach. Some 500,000 people are expected to visit Rio to attend South America&#39;s first Olympics between August 5 and 21. 
 
&quot;This is a warm-up party, you might say, for us to keep the pressure on the Senate ... to show that the Brazilian people will not accept Dilma Rousseff remaining in power,&quot; said Carlos Carvalho, one of the organizers of the Rio protest. 
 
There were also some protests across Brazil against interim President Michel Temer, according to Globo TV. He has recognized that he will likely be booed when he goes to the Games&#39; opening on Friday, while Rousseff has said she will not attend. 
 
None of the rallies were nearly as big as those seen in recent years, when hundreds of thousands took to streets in anti-corruption and anti-government protests. 
 
Rousseff is facing an impeachment trial for allegedly breaking budgetary laws, by borrowing billions from state banks to cover budget gaps without informing Congress. 
 
It is widely expected the Senate will vote to permanently oust her in late August or early September, which would put Temer, her former vice president, in the presidency until the 2018 elections. 
 
(Reuters)

Rousseff is facing an impeachment trial for allegedly breaking budgetary laws, by borrowing billions from state banks to cover budget gaps

Hundreds of peaceful protesters marched on Sunday on Rio de Janeiro's Copacabana beach to demand the ouster of suspended President Dilma Rousseff, a reminder of the political upheaval that has convulsed Brazil in the run-up to the Olympics. Five days before the Games open, both anti- and pro-Rousseff rallies were held in at least 10 other states, most drawing relatively small crowds, as she faces an impeachment process that is likely to permanently remove her from power within weeks. Those who rallied in Rio, some with Brazil's flag draped over their shoulders and nearly all wearing the national colors of yellow and green, chanted "Out Dilma! Out corruption!" Those same messages were written in English on banners for the foreign tourists to see as they flocked to the crescent-shaped Copacabana beach. Some 500,000 people are expected to visit Rio to attend South America's first Olympics between August 5 and 21. "This is a warm-up party, you might say, for us to keep the pressure on the Senate ... to show that the Brazilian people will not accept Dilma Rousseff remaining in power," said Carlos Carvalho, one of the organizers of the Rio protest. There were also some protests across Brazil against interim President Michel Temer, according to Globo TV. He has recognized that he will likely be booed when he goes to the Games' opening on Friday, while Rousseff has said she will not attend. None of the rallies were nearly as big as those seen in recent years, when hundreds of thousands took to streets in anti-corruption and anti-government protests. Rousseff is facing an impeachment trial for allegedly breaking budgetary laws, by borrowing billions from state banks to cover budget gaps without informing Congress. It is widely expected the Senate will vote to permanently oust her in late August or early September, which would put Temer, her former vice president, in the presidency until the 2018 elections. (Reuters)

Rio beach protest calls for ouster of suspended president Dilma Rousseff

<div style="text-align: justify;">Rio de Janeiro&#39;s governor declared a state of financial emergency today&nbsp;and requested federal funds to help fulfill public&nbsp;service obligations&nbsp;during the Olympics that start August&nbsp;5. 
 
Emergency measures are needed to avoid &quot;a total collapse in public security, health, education, transport and environmental management,&quot; a decree in the state&#39;s Official Gazette said. 
 
The state&#39;s revenue, largely tied to the petroleum industry, slumped in the last two years as global oil prices collapsed. 
 
The announcement followed this week&#39;s visit to Rio by Brazil&#39;s Interim President Michel Temer, who said the federal government would ensure all obligations are met for a successful Games. 
 
Rio is expecting about 500,000 foreign visitors during the Olympics, which has coincided with Brazil&#39;s worst recession since the 1930s and a political crisis that last month led to the suspension of President Dilma Rousseff. 
 
&quot;The state&#39;s financial emergency in no way delays the delivery of Olympic projects and the promises assumed by the city of Rio,&quot; Mayor Eduardo Paes said on Twitter. 
 
He also underscored that legacy construction projects, with the exception of an 8.79 billion-real expansion of Rio&#39;s metro that is expected to be finished just days before the Games open, are the responsibility of the city and that most have been completed. 
 
The local organising committee for the Games said the state&#39;s fiscal situation did not impact its actual running of the Olympics, which relies entirely on private funds. 
 
While the majority of Olympic infrastructure costs have been spread across city, state and federal budgets, with some financing from private companies, the state is responsible for most day-to-day security and health services in Rio. 
 
The financial pinch resulted in a 30-per cent cut in the state&#39;s security budget - just as Rio has seen a jump in homicides and assaults in recent months, raising concerns about safety ahead of the Olympics. 
 
The state of Rio expects a budget deficit of over 19 billion reais ($5.56 billion) this year as spending planned before oil prices fell outstrips revenue that is tumbling during Brazil&#39;s recession. 
 
Rio state&#39;s debt has been downgraded several times. 
 
On Wednesday, Fitch Ratings downgraded Rio&#39;s debt rating to &#39;B-&#39; from &#39;B+&#39;, saying the state was suffering &quot;a fast-deteriorating liquidity position.&quot; 
 
Since late last year, the state has been forced to delay pension and salary payments and shutter some schools and hospitals, where crucial supplies, including medicines and syringes, are lacking. 
 
Brazil is also facing an outbreak of the Zika virus, which has been linked to the birth defect microcephaly in which babies are born with abnormally small heads frequently associated with developmental issues. 
(Reuters)</div>

Urgent measures are needed to avoid 'a total collapse in public security, health, education, transport and environmental management'

Rio de Janeiro's governor declared a state of financial emergency today and requested federal funds to help fulfill public service obligations during the Olympics that start August 5. Emergency measures are needed to avoid "a total collapse in public security, health, education, transport and environmental management," a decree in the state's Official Gazette said. The state's revenue, largely tied to the petroleum industry, slumped in the last two years as global oil prices collapsed. The announcement followed this week's visit to Rio by Brazil's Interim President Michel Temer, who said the federal government would ensure all obligations are met for a successful Games. Rio is expecting about 500,000 foreign visitors during the Olympics, which has coincided with Brazil's worst recession since the 1930s and a political crisis that last month led to the suspension of President Dilma Rousseff. "The state's financial emergency in no way delays the delivery of Olympic projects and the promises assumed by the city of Rio," Mayor Eduardo Paes said on Twitter. He also underscored that legacy construction projects, with the exception of an 8.79 billion-real expansion of Rio's metro that is expected to be finished just days before the Games open, are the responsibility of the city and that most have been completed. The local organising committee for the Games said the state's fiscal situation did not impact its actual running of the Olympics, which relies entirely on private funds. While the majority of Olympic infrastructure costs have been spread across city, state and federal budgets, with some financing from private companies, the state is responsible for most day-to-day security and health services in Rio. The financial pinch resulted in a 30-per cent cut in the state's security budget - just as Rio has seen a jump in homicides and assaults in recent months, raising concerns about safety ahead of the Olympics. The state of Rio expects a budget deficit of over 19 billion reais ($5.56 billion) this year as spending planned before oil prices fell outstrips revenue that is tumbling during Brazil's recession. Rio state's debt has been downgraded several times. On Wednesday, Fitch Ratings downgraded Rio's debt rating to 'B-' from 'B+', saying the state was suffering "a fast-deteriorating liquidity position." Since late last year, the state has been forced to delay pension and salary payments and shutter some schools and hospitals, where crucial supplies, including medicines and syringes, are lacking. Brazil is also facing an outbreak of the Zika virus, which has been linked to the birth defect microcephaly in which babies are born with abnormally small heads frequently associated with developmental issues. (Reuters)

Olympics to start in six weeks, and host city declares financial emergency

michel-temer

Michel Temer, News on Michel Temer, stories on Michel Temer, articles on Michel Temer, Michel Temer stories at Wion, Michel Temer news, Michel Temer latest news

michel temer