SAO PAULO—Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff is facing possible impeachment by Congress, with the Senate expected to vote Wednesday on a measure to suspend her. The effort comes amid an angry public mood over the South American nation’s worst recession in decades and a big bribery scandal at the state oil company Petrobras. Yet, it is not tied to either of those. AP explains what’s behind the movement to oust her, and how it could play out:
What is Rousseff accused of doing?
Rousseff is accused of breaking fiscal laws by shifting around government funds to plug holes. Opposition parties say sleight of hand accounting allowed her to boost public spending to shore up support. Rousseff denies any wrongdoing, saying she didn’t do anything that was not common practice in all prior administrations. She further argues that she isn’t being charged with a crime, which should be the basis for any impeachment.
