Minister for Tourism Resigns in Brazil: Daily
By Anna Fitzpatrick, Contributing Reporter
SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL – President Rousseff’s continued stance against corruption in the government claimed its fifth casualty yesterday – the Minister for Tourism Pedro Novais. Problems started for the Novais after it was revealed by the Brazilian Press that he was using public funds to finance private matters: hiring a private driver for his wife and paying for a housekeeper for his personal residence.
His position in office became untenable today after increasing pressure from his party (PMDB) and his resignation was issued by letter on Wednesday evening.
The “faxina” or cleanup has already seen the departure of Antonio Palocci (Chief of Staff), Alfredo Nascimento (Minister of Transport), Nelson Jobim (Minister of Defense) and Wagner Rossi (Minister of Agriculture) all before the end of President Rousseff’s first year in office. Rousseff is receiving public support from her stance against corruption.
All this against the backdrop of a popular protest movement March Against Corruption that began on September seventh, Brazil’s Independence Day.
The replacement for Pedro Novais is expected to be named later today.
Read more (in Portuguese).
* The Rio Times Daily Update is a new feature we are offering to help keep you up-to-date with the major news as it happens.
More: Brazil news in English, every day from The Rio Times.
Editorial responsibility: Matthias Camenzind, Editor-in-Chief · Editorial standards · Report an error