Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff will face an impeachment trial that will see her suspended for up to 180 days. Vice President Michel Temer, a 75-year-old law professor of Lebanese origins, has become Brazil's interim president. File photo by Pat Benic/UPI |
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BRASILIA, Brazil, May 12 (UPI) -- The Brazilian Senate on Thursday voted to proceed with an impeachment trial for embattled President Dilma Rousseff, who has been suspended for 180 days.
The Brazilian Senate voted 55 to 22 after an all-night session that lasted more than 20 hours on whether Rousseff should undergo a proper impeachment trial over corruption accusations. She is accused of manipulating finances in to hide a growing public deficit during her re-election campaign in 2014.
Vice President Michel Temer, a 75-year-old law professor of Lebanese origins, was named Brazil's interim president after Rousseff's suspension.
Speaking to supporters after the vote, Rousseff said she is being railroaded by opposing lawmakers.
"I'm the victim of a great injustice," she said. "I have made mistakes, but I have not committed any crimes. I am being judged unjustly, because I have followed the law to the letter."
Rousseff made two speeches after the vote -- one to reporters, in which she called the Senate's actions a "coup," and a fiery talk to supporters.
"My government was the target of nonstop sabotage," she continued. "The objective was to stop me from governing and therefore allow an environment inviting the coup."
Some ardent supporters of Rousseff's tried to force their way into the presidential palace Thursday during an address by Temer to the nation, but were repelled by police and pepper spray.
"I am convinced that it is necessary to rescue Brazilians' trust internally and internationally," Temer said in his address. "Because it is fundamental so that our companies and workers, therefore all the productive areas within the country, can have enthusiasm and go back to their secure investments."
Rousseff has fiercely denied the corruption accusations, alleging those who wish to remove her from office are trying to take over the government.
The suspended Brazilian leader could miss out on participating in the Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janiero in August, as her suspension could last until November. Rousseff was among the Brazilian officials who worked to attract the games after the bidding process opened.
