Escalation of Political Crisis in Brazil; Leftists Demand President's Ouster

Reports indicate that the political crisis in Brazil intensified on Saturday, May 19, and protests against Michel Temer's government are set to continue on Sunday. According to AFP, leftist groups in Brazil announced that they would hold nationwide protests on Sunday demanding Michel Temer's removal from power. A major corruption case known as the "Car Wash" scandal has long plagued the political landscape of the country, with Temer accused of obstructing the legal investigation by allegedly offering a bribe to a potential witness who is currently in prison. Temer has denied these allegations and is reportedly seeking to attract various allies to counter these accusations and remain in power. On Thursday, thousands demonstrated against Temer's government in Brasília, the capital of Brazil, and in Rio de Janeiro. Temer's conservative government has sparked outrage among millions of Brazilian citizens with its austerity measures, which include raising the retirement age. Dilma Rousseff, from the left wing, was removed from the presidency in late August for violating budget laws, and Michel Temer, from the center-right, replaced her. Temer's role in Rousseff's impeachment process is a major reason for the left's dissatisfaction with him. The "Car Wash" corruption case involves Temer and two previous presidents, and currently, one-third of Temer's government is under judicial investigation related to this case. Allegations against the Brazilian governments state that a large meatpacking company named "JBS" paid approximately $154 million in bribes to politicians and government officials in exchange for financial contracts, easy loans from state banks, and resolving tax disputes. It has also been reported that Michel Temer received $4.6 million, Dilma Rousseff $30 million, and former President Lula da Silva $50 million in bribes from JBS. The Brazilian Attorney General has recently claimed that Michel Temer offered Eduardo Cunha, a former speaker of the Brazilian parliament and a potential witness in the meatpacking company's corruption case, a hush money proposal while he is in prison. The prosecution states that it has a recording regarding this hush money offer. Eduardo Cunha has been in prison since March for embezzlement. Michel Temer has vehemently denied these allegations, deeming them a conspiracy against him, and has stated that he will not resign from his position.