History : Michel Temer

 

Michel Temer is a Brazilian politician who served as the 37th President of Brazil. He assumed office in 2016 following the impeachment of President Dilma Rousseff and completed her term, which lasted until January 1, 2019. Temer's presidency was marked by significant challenges, including political turmoil and economic crises, as well as controversial policy decisions.

Michel Miguel Elias Temer Lulia was born on September 23, 1940, in Tietê, São Paulo, Brazil. He came from a Lebanese immigrant family and pursued a legal career, earning a law degree from the Law School of the University of São Paulo.

Temer's political career began in the 1960s when he joined the Brazilian Democratic Movement Party (Partido do Movimento Democrático Brasileiro, PMDB). Throughout his political journey, he held various positions, including being elected as a state deputy in São Paulo and later as a federal deputy, where he served multiple terms.

Temer's political influence grew steadily within the PMDB, and he became known for his ability to build alliances and navigate complex political landscapes. He held several leadership positions within the party, contributing to its prominence as one of Brazil's most influential political forces.

In 2011, Michel Temer was chosen as the vice-presidential candidate on Dilma Rousseff's ticket for the 2010 presidential election. Rousseff, representing the Workers' Party (Partido dos Trabalhadores, PT), won the election, and Temer assumed the vice presidency on January 1, 2011.

As vice president, Temer played a relatively low-key role in the Rousseff administration, which focused on social and economic issues. However, his relationship with President Rousseff became strained over time, particularly as political tensions increased within the ruling coalition.

In 2016, Brazil faced a deepening economic crisis, political turmoil, and allegations of corruption involving high-ranking officials and members of the Workers' Party. Amid these challenges, public discontent with the government reached its peak, leading to widespread protests across the country.

As the political situation escalated, the House of Representatives initiated impeachment proceedings against President Rousseff over allegations of fiscal mismanagement. The process was contentious, with Rousseff's supporters denouncing it as a political coup, while her opponents argued that it was a legitimate response to her handling of the economy.

On May 12, 2016, the Brazilian Senate voted to impeach Dilma Rousseff, resulting in her removal from office. Michel Temer, as the vice president, assumed the presidency and completed the remainder of her term.

During his presidency, Michel Temer faced significant challenges in stabilizing Brazil's economy and restoring public confidence. His government pursued a series of economic reforms aimed at addressing the country's fiscal crisis and attracting foreign investment.

One of the most significant policy changes during Temer's presidency was the approval of a constitutional amendment that set a limit on public spending for the next 20 years. This measure aimed to control government spending and reduce the budget deficit but was met with criticism from some quarters for potentially affecting public services and social welfare programs.

Temer's government also implemented labor reforms aimed at making the labor market more flexible and increasing job opportunities. These reforms faced opposition from labor unions and social movements, which argued that they could lead to a weakening of workers' rights.

Another major challenge during Temer's presidency was the ongoing Operation Car Wash corruption investigation, which exposed widespread corruption and embezzlement involving numerous politicians and business leaders. Several members of Temer's party and government were implicated in the investigation, further tarnishing the image of Brazil's political class.

The investigation created significant political instability and divided public opinion. Many Brazilians were disillusioned with their political leaders and institutions due to the revelations of widespread corruption.

As a result of his involvement in the investigation, Temer faced his own corruption allegations. However, due to constitutional protections for sitting presidents, he could not be prosecuted while in office. After leaving the presidency, Temer faced charges related to bribery and corruption, which he vehemently denied.

In addition to economic and political challenges, Michel Temer's presidency was marked by social unrest and protests. His government's decisions and policies, including proposed changes to the pension system and labor laws, sparked demonstrations across the country.

Despite the controversies and challenges, Temer's presidency did witness some positive developments. Brazil's economy showed signs of recovery after a prolonged recession, and inflation and unemployment rates began to stabilize.

In foreign policy, Temer sought to maintain Brazil's role as a regional leader and expand international trade relations. He also addressed environmental concerns and played a role in global discussions about climate change and sustainability.

As his term came to an end, Michel Temer faced low approval ratings and a highly polarized political environment. In the 2018 presidential election, he chose not to run for re-election.

In conclusion, Michel Temer's presidency was marked by significant challenges, including economic crises, political turmoil, and corruption investigations. His government pursued economic reforms and sought to stabilize the country's finances but faced opposition and criticism from various sectors. As Brazil continues to grapple with political and economic challenges, Temer's presidency remains a subject of debate and evaluation in the nation's political history.