Trial of Brazil President Rousseff may end in August

The forecast is based on a work schedule presented by the rapporteur

Published on 25/05/2016 - 16:43 By Karine Melo reports from Agência Brasil - Brasília

Brasília - O relator da Comissão Especial do Impeachment, senador Antônio Anastasia, durante reunião para discutir o processo de afastamento de Dilma Rousseff (Marcelo Camargo/Agência Brasil)

Senator Antonio Anastasia, rapporteur of the now-called Procedural Commission for the Impeachment.Marcelo Camargo/Agência Brasil

The impeachment effort against suspended President Dilma Rousseff may reach a final decision in August, according to a work schedule presented Wednesday (May 25) by Senator Antonio Anastasia, rapporteur of the now-called Procedural Commission for the Impeachment.

Anastasia says the 20-day term given Rousseff for a new defense ends on June 1—next Wednesday. Also on this date, senators will have the chance to submit requests appointing witnesses and producing evidence. The timetable further includes testimonies from witnesses and an expert, and the procurement of documents, from June 6 through 17.

June 20 is the date fixed for Rousseff's interrogation before the commission. She may choose to attend or be represented by her counsel. From June 21 to July 5, the arguments written by the plaintiffs should be brought before the panelists. The written arguments in the president's defense may be submitted from July 6 to 21.

Anastasia is expected to read his final report to the commission on July 25. The report, which could either recommend or oppose Rousseff's removal, should be voted on July 27, and the report is slated for vote by the full chamber on August 1 or 2. In both the commission and the full floor, the ballot is to be held by simple majority, i.e., half of all senators attending plus one.

From this point on, the trial will be presided over in the full Senate by Justice Ricardo Lewandowski, head of the Supreme Court, who is to have the final say on whatever objections commission members might be unable to overcome.

After the report is voted on in the full Senate, the process moves to its last ballot, also under Lewandowski's supervision. This is the last stage of the proceedings, and two-thirds of the votes are required to permanently unseat the president—54 of the total 81 senators.


Translated by Fabrício Ferreira


Fonte: Trial of Brazil President Rousseff may end in August

Edition: Maria Claudia / Augusto Queiroz

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