There is no reason for impeachment proceedings now – Brazil’s Chamber president

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The President of the Chamber of Deputies, Arthur Lira (PP-AL), said he sees no reason to open impeachment proceedings against President Jair Bolsonaro at this time. According to him, it is necessary to wait for new events, and so far, there is no new fact that justifies the opening of the process.

Lira participated in an interview on Radio Jovem Pan on Tuesday (6). He was asked if the allegations involving alleged wrongdoing by Bolsonaro in overpriced purchases of vaccines by the Ministry of Health and accusations that the president, when he was in Congress, in the so-called “rachadinhas” scheme, could be grounds to open a trial.

Lira pointed out that the Covid CPI, which is running in the Senate, is investigating some of these allegations and recalled that there is also an investigation in the Supreme Court (STF). According to him, impeachment proceedings at this time would bring instability to the country.

“We cannot institutionalize the impeachment process in Brazil. We cannot destabilize every elected president of Brazil. Elections are held every four years to choose the president,” he said.

“The Covid CPI is contributing testimony that is now being investigated. The STF investigation is taking a normal course without haste. At this time, the Presidency of the House has the role to act with impartiality and neutrality, “added Lira.

TAX REFORM

Lira reiterated that there would be no increased tax burden in the House’s proposed tax reform being debated. According to him, the debate will be held transparently with the productive sector, the government, the other federal entities, and all those who generate wealth.

There will be no “collection frenzy” on the part of the government because Congress will correct the inconsistencies in the text. Lira pointed out that some businessmen have opposed the proposal because they do not want to pay tax on dividends.

“We will make those who earn more pay more. Some businessmen cannot take advantage of not paying dividends, “he said.

Arthur Lira said that the text authorizing private initiative to operate postal services (Post Office) would be presented to party leaders later today. He said he expects that in the first half of August, the proposal will be debated in the lower house’s plenary session.

PRINTED BALLOTS

Regarding the controversial proposal to amend the constitution (PEC) that authorizes printed votes as part of electronic ballot boxes, Lira said he is not committed to approving or rejecting the text but to the debate. According to him, the PEC will follow its normal processing, and there will be, on his part, no interference in the party assessments on the subject.

“The debate is informative; we will seek consensus, and if Congress votes, of course, the electoral law would have to be implemented. I have no complaints about the electronic ballot box, but I don’t see a problem with having an audit if there’s not a problem in the system. It’s better than questioning an election,” Lira mused.