The question of whether Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff would escape impeachment has finally been answered. In the early hours of May 12, the Brazilian Senate voted 55 to 22 in favor of removing her from her post. Rousseff was forced to abdicate the presidency immediately, leaving Vice President Michel Temer temporarily in charge of the country. Rousseff now will turn her attention toward the lengthy Senate trial that awaits her as she answers to charges of manipulating government bank accounts.
On its own, Rousseff's removal will not be enough to undo the damage that persistent deterioration has wrought on the Brazilian economy. Instead, the recovery of the country's public finances will largely depend on the actions Temer takes in the months ahead. But since his presidency could easily be cut short, Brazil may have little more than a new round of elections to look forward to. ...
