[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Jair Bolsonaro, President of Brazil (photo), is set to be investigated by investigative authorities on charges including obstruction of investigation and abuse of power. Already embroiled in controversy over his response to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), President Bolsonaro now faces speculation that he could be impeached for judicial obstruction and abuse of authority. The political turmoil in Brazil appears to be intensifying.
According to CNN and others on the 28th (local time), Brazil's Supreme Court approved an investigation into President Bolsonaro. Bolsonaro is accused of replacing the head of the Federal Police with a close aide in an attempt to receive reports on investigations involving his two sons. His sons are alleged to have spread fake news targeting critics of the administration.
Earlier, Sergio Moro, former Minister of Justice of Brazil, held a surprise resignation press conference and criticized President Bolsonaro for improperly replacing the police chief. In Brazil, the Federal Police are supposed to be under the command of the Minister of Justice, but Bolsonaro dismissed Federal Police Chief Mauricio Valeixo bypassing the Ministry of Justice.
At the press conference, former Minister Moro stated, "President Bolsonaro repeatedly said he needed a police chief who would personally contact him and provide information reports," adding, "The replacement was because he needed someone who would act according to his wishes." Moro is the judge who imprisoned former President Luiz In?cio Lula da Silva on corruption charges and is regarded as a symbol of anti-corruption in Brazil. He emphasized, "I was not informed of the replacement until media reports surfaced, let alone given approval," and stressed, "No one is above the law."
Following the Supreme Court's ruling, the Federal Police will investigate for 60 days whether the president abused his power and obstructed judicial activities. If the Brazilian House of Representatives agrees to prosecute, President Bolsonaro's powers will be suspended, and the Vice President will assume acting authority. Subsequently, the Supreme Court will make the final decision on impeachment.
As Brazil's political situation is caught in a vortex of chaos, concerns are growing about the largest economy in South America. The Brazilian real hit an all-time low of 5.65 reals per dollar on the 27th. On the 28th, it slightly rebounded to 5.50 reals.
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