Temer on the Line as Congress Considers Putting Him on Trial
- Opposition admits falling short of needed two-thirds of votes
- Investors eyeing vote tally to gauge outlook for reforms
Michel Temer on Aug. 1.
Photographer: Evaristo Sa/AFP via Getty ImagesThis article is for subscribers only.
Voting has begun in Brazil’s Congress on whether President Michel Temer should stand a corruption trial, a decision that may determine his political survival and the country’s immediate economic outlook.
After a period of debates that started around 9 a.m. local time, lawmakers now cast their votes in a session that is expected to end later on Wednesday. Polls by local newspapers showed the opposition was falling short of the 342 votes, or two-thirds of the chamber, needed to put Temer on trial. The president would be forced to stand down if the trial started at the Supreme Court.