Maia lines up to succeed Temer in Brazil

Significance

The Senate vote was the last hurdle the bill had to clear in Congress before President Michel Temer could sign it into law. The approval of this reform, which represents the most drastic overhaul of labour legislation since 1943, is also a political victory for Temer. However, he remains an increasingly weak president whose future hangs in the balance as the Lower House decides whether to allow the Supreme Court (STF) to prosecute him for corruption, as requested by Prosecutor-General Rodrigo Janot. If it does, he will be removed from office, initially for up to six months.

Impacts

• Despite its unpopularity, Congress is becoming increasingly key to sealing the fate of governments.
• A conservative Maia government would strengthen the left’s narrative that the Workers’ Party (PT) was the victim of a “coup”.
• From a policy perspective, Maia would represent continuity with Temer.