Friday, April 22, 2016

Intellectuals Condemn Impeachment Process Against Rousseff
The Network of Intellectuals, Artists and Social Movements in Defense of Humanity expressed its opposition to the parliamentary moves against Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff this Wednesday, April 20

Prensa Latina (PL) | informacion@granma.cu
April 21, 2016 16:04:12
Photo: hoyvenezuela

CARACAS.— The Network of Intellectuals, Artists and Social Movements in Defense of Humanity yesterday expressed its opposition to the parliamentary moves against Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff, according to reports from Prensa Latina.

The attempted coup in Brazil is a clear attack on the social policies implemented by the Workers’ Party over the past 14 years through programs such as “Bolsa Família” and “Minha Casa Minha Vida”.

The governments of Presidents Lula and Dilma significantly improved the lives of millions of low-income Brazilians, a statement released by the Network on Wednesday noted.

As part of the moves against the current president, the majority of the lower house of the Brazilian Congress voted to impeach the Rousseff on Sunday, based on alleged administrative violations, and a series of political, rather than legal, arguments.

The Network also reaffirmed its commitment to respect the will of the Brazilian people and constitutional order in the country.

In addition, the opposition to imperialism, neoliberal policies, war and terrorism, the monopolization of knowledge and hegemonic socio-cultural projects was reiterated.

The Network held its 12th Encounter in Caracas last week, during which intellectuals, artists and social activists from across the world expressed their support for Venezuela, given the current attacks the country is facing from the right wing and the U.S.

Meanwhile, the Senator for Brazilian Social Democracy Party (PSDB), Aloysio Nunes, revealed in an interview with the BBC that the country's Vice President, Michel Temer, had requested that Washington help refute claims that the ongoing impeachment process constitutes a “coup”.

He reiterated that should a new executive be formed, the United States would be a crucial “strategic ally” of Brazil.

Last Sunday the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies approved the request for President Rousseff’s impeachment, with 367 votes in favor and 137 against, seven abstentions and two absentees.

The Senate will now have to decide whether to continue the process. Should Rousseff be impeached, she would be replaced in the presidency by Vice President Michel Temer, who broke off his alliance with the Workers’ Party (PT), and is also facing a possible impeachment process himself.

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