Brazilian Senate Votes for Impeachment and Trial of Dilma Rousseff

On Wednesday, August 10, the Brazilian Senate voted to impeach and try suspended President Dilma Rousseff on charges of violating tax laws. Brazil is currently engaged in the Olympic competitions taking place in Rio de Janeiro, and while the world's attention is on these events, the Senate moved Rousseff's case into a new phase with 59 votes in favor and 21 against. Reuters reports that a conviction of Rousseff in court would mean her definitive removal from the presidency and the end of the Workers' Party's governance after 13 years. Meanwhile, her deputy, Michel Temer, who has temporarily taken over the country's affairs, will hold the presidency until the next elections in 2018. The report indicates that a court ruling is expected by the end of this month, and in that case, two-thirds of the Senate members must also vote for Rousseff's conviction, which the Senate's vote on Wednesday shows that her opponents need five more votes. However, Wednesday's Senate vote indicated that the movement seeking Rousseff's removal has gained strength, especially compared to May when Senate members decided to initiate her impeachment with 55 votes in favor and 22 against. Rousseff has consistently denied the charges against her and has described her impeachment as a conspiracy by Brazil's right wing.