Politics

Michel Temer’s last year in office could be a slow one

michel temer last year in office
Pres. Michel Temer. Photo: Lula Marques/PT
michel temer last year in office
Pres. Michel Temer. Photo: Lula Marques/PT

Since taking office in May 2016, President Michel Temer has had anything but a smooth ride. He faced a severe economic crisis and successive corruption scandals – which included two indictment requests – but now seems to have secured his position as the head of state until December 31, 2018. His replacement will only take office within a year, but expectations for progress between now and then are low.

Despite successfully pushing through controversial reforms and austerity packages during his time in office, current president Michel Temer is struggling to garner enough support to push through the pension reform, seen as crucial by international financial markets. However, with a tight budget and limited support within Congress, analysts interviewed by The Brazilian Report believe that Temer’s government may be running out of steam.

Temer’s public approval rating hit 3 percent in September 2017, although many speculated that this was actually closer to zero percent due to a 3 percent margin of error. His rating has since improved, climbing to 6 percent in December. But the government’s power among its allies may also be dwindling as its resources lessen, diminishing its leadership and setting a politically stagnant tone for the year to come.

Pension reforms stalling

Despite sitting high on the Temer administration’s agenda since its inception, Brazil’s contested pension reforms have failed to pass. The reform, which...

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