Probe into lower house speaker not to end soon, political analyst says
Antônio Augusto de Queiroz, head of documentation at the Inter-Union Department of Parliamentary Advisory (DIAP).
A possible investigation into the speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, Eduardo Cunha, whether in Congress or at the Supreme Court (STF), would not come to an end soon, argues Antônio Augusto de Queiroz, head of documentation at the Inter-Union Department of Parliamentary Advisory (DIAP). He doubts the case would be concluded before the end of Cunha's two-year tenure as head of the Brazilian lower house. Faced with the money laundering and active corruption allegations submitted by Prosecutor-General Rodrigo Janot, who based his decision on the wrongdoings unearthed under Operation Car Wash, both the Congress and the STF will have to follow through with a series of formalities, which may cause to the case to drag out for years.
According to Queiroz, Cunha's resignation would be the quickest solution. He believes the congressman “won't stand the pressure.” Regarded among the best informed researchers on Brazil's Congress members, the political analyst claims that one third of the 513 deputies argue that Cunha should stay, one third favor his departure, and the other third express no opinion on the matter.
Eduardo Cunha
Eduardo Cunha has not budged from his stance on his possible resignation. Ever since the allegation was made official, he has reiterated his innocence and said he does not feel shaken by the charges. Queiroz notes, however, that “the mere fact that an allegation has been made is enough for parties to take political or punitive measures at the house.” This means that parties may file a license revocation request at the Council of Ethics, even before a ruling is issued by the Supreme Court. Deputies from several parties have submitted requests for Cunha's removal, describing his situation as “unbearable”.
The allegation presented by Janot makes the charge against Eduardo Cunha official. The investigation into his participation in crimes of passive corruption and money laundering involving illicit doings at Petrobras must still meet a number of requirements. Only then may the ultimate decision be made.
In case Brazil's top court finds Eduardo Cunha accountable for the wrongdoings, the Chamber of Deputies will deliberate on his license.
In the history of the lower house, Cunha is the third congressman to be charged while in the position of president of the congressional house.
Translated by Fabrício Ferreira
Fonte: Probe into lower house speaker not to end soon, political analyst says
