Brazil's Government Anticipates Report Against Temer and Works to Counteract It

07/10/2017 - 10h21

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ANGELA BOLDRINI

BRUNO BOGHOSSIAN

FROM BRASÍLIA

Anticipating a report against the President, Michel Temer's Government has decided to intensify its efforts in an attempt to block the advance of the charges of accepting bribes against him at the CCJ (Constitution and Legal Commission).

In a meeting that lasted nearly five hours at the Alvorada Palace on Sunday (the 9th), leaders from the government's base worked under the hypotheses that congressman Sérgio Zveiter (PMDB-RJ Party), the case's rapporteur at the commission, is likely to present a strongly worded report against Temer on Monday (the 10th).

In the words of a party leader who participated in the meeting, the Government decided to prepare for the "worst case scenario" - or in other words, that Zveiter will recommend to the commission that the charges be presented to and approved in a full session of Congress.

Although the expectation for the report itself is unfavorable, the Government believes that it will have the necessary votes to defeat Zveiter's finding in commission. Temer is already counting on 39 votes in his favor, but is working to get the support of 41 congressmen.

Even if Zveiter's finding is blocked and Temer is victoious at the CCJ, the charges against him need to be voted on by the full house. The Government wants to speed up the outcome of this process, to minimize damage to the President that could result from this phase dragging out even longer.

Temer's allies reported that that he was "positive and enthusiastic" during the meeting and downplayed any worries on his part.

In an attempt to maintain the support of the PSDB Party in his Government, Temer also talked by telephone on Sunday (the 9th) with former President Fernando Henrique Cardoso.

The President asked the PSDB leader for his help in reversing the movement within the Party for a rupture with the Government, which this week could decide to resign its positions in the government and vote in favor of the proceedings and charges against Temer.

Translated by LLOYD HARDER

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