Brazil lawmakers discuss Temer charges this week

The charges against President Michel Temer—who has been accused of racketeering and obstruction of justice—and the final deliberations on the labor reform will be the main focus of the agenda this week at the Chamber of Deputies, the Brazilian lower house.

Lower house speaker Rodrigo Maia expects the plenary vote to be held early in October. In a statement made today (25), Maia argued that the charges should be considered together, not separated according to crime or person.

The accusations also target Chief of Staff minister, Eliseu Padilha, and minister of the General Secretariat of Presidency, Moreira Franco. 

Political reform

The constitutional amendment bill on the political overhaul was approved after two rounds at the lower house. It bans coalitions for proportionate representation (currently in effect for the elections of deputies and city councilors) as of 2020, and lays forth criteria for access to the fund earmarked for parties and for radio and TV time for campaigning.

In order to move further to the Senate, where two rounds would also have to be held, the bill must be further deliberated upon, In order for the changes to be in effect in the 2018 elections, the bill must be approved by both congressional houses by October 7.

Translated by Fabrício Ferreira