Temer continuity would prolong crisis in Brazil

Significance

The substitution of Osmar Serraglio by the more prestigious Torquato Jardim was received as an attempt by Temer to gain influence with the Supreme Electoral Court and the Supreme Court, whose rulings in coming weeks and months could bring an end to his presidency. The move came after yet another week of crisis for his government, in which protesters set official buildings on fire, and the army was briefly called in to contain violence in Brasilia.

Impacts

• The need to form and keep the loyalty of large coalitions is the root cause of political instability.
• This will not change with an electoral system that allows nearly 30 parties to be represented in Congress.
• Governance will remain challenging whoever succeeds Temer.