Vice-President calls for peace in relationship with Rousseff

Vice-President Michel Temer has said the country needs “lots of peace” and that this year is the right time to build a more peaceful relationship among his party ranks (PMDB), the country's largest party, and between President Dilma Rousseff and him.

Temer, who is the national chairman for the party, spoke briefly to journalists on Tuesday (Jan. 5). Asked about his relationship with Rousseff after his letter complaining about the treatment his party gets from her, he said it is “peaceful”.

“We need lots of peace. I think the New Year provides a good opportunity for at least the beginning of this ideal of plenty of peace in the country. Peace within the PMDB, among the party ranks. I guess that's what we should be looking forward to,” the vice-president said.

Despite his optimism, members of his party have clashed in recent weeks over the bench leadership in the Chamber of Deputies and the party's attitude to the impeachment proceedings against Rousseff.

The vice-president has evaded questions about whether he thought 2016 will be tougher than 2015, but said he hopes for economic recovery.

Translated by Mayra Borges