Brazil President Temer hospitalised as he faces vote on suspension

Brazilian President Michel Temer was hospitalised today with a urinary obstruction, his office said, even as lawmakers debated in Congress whether to suspend him and put him on trial on corruption charges.

The presidential palace said in a statement that the 77- year-old leader had experienced discomfort this morning and was sent to a military hospital for an examination and treatment. It did not provide further details.
Carlos Marun, a deputy from Temer’s party, said he did not think the issue was serious. Earlier this month, Temer’s office announced that he had been diagnosed with a partial coronary obstruction that would be treated with aspirin and a low-fat diet.

The news came as the lower house of Brazil’s Congress met for another vote on his political survival. The chamber spared him last time he was accused of corruption and was expected to do so again. But Temer’s popularity is in single digits after a series of scandals and the vote could show how effectively he will be able to govern during the last year of his term. If two thirds of the 513 members of the Chamber of Deputies accept the charges, Temer will be suspended for up to six months while …read more