Dilma Rousseff to lead “transitional government” if she resumes office

Suspended President Dilma Rousseff said Monday (Jun. 27) she would lead a transitional government with a view to preserving Brazilian democracy until the 2018 elections, in case she is allowed to return to the presidency. Rousseff says she also plans to seize the political moment to further discuss a political overhaul.

“What we must ensure at the moment is the quality of democracy in Brazil, which will take place in 2018. That's what I'll do, above all. I think a discussion about a political reform in Brazil is in place, no doubt. We tried it after 2013, and failed miserably. We went for a constituent [assembly], we tried a political overhaul,” the temporarily ousted president told the news agency Pública.

Rousseff, however, did not confirm a referendum on new general elections before 2018, a move advocated by some political leaders. She also noted there is no consensus on the matter. “[That's] one of the proposals laid on the table. Holding direct elections, in turn, is everyone's choice, right? It always is.”

Rousseff said that, in case she resumes office, she will not attempt to form her government base the way it had been before the impeachment proceedings. “Bringing it back together is impossible. I'll tell you this, I'm not building the government on the same foundation as before—under any circumstances.”

Asked whether she will turn to the Senate for her defense before the Procedural Commission on Impeachment, Rousseff said she has not made a decision yet. “I'm deliberating. I'm one for considering the options available.”

Translated by Fabrício Ferreira