The political economy of ‘impeachment’ in brazil: An assessment of the temer interlude (2016-2018)

Abstract

This article focuses on the impeachment process of Dilma Rousseff in Brazil, as well as the economic policies and the performance of the economy under the Temer administration, between 2016 and 2018. The article shows that Dilma Rousseff’s impeachment favored a stronger neoliberal thrust advocated especially by financial markets, and that contrary to the proclaimed objectives of the new administration, the economic policies adopted against recession did not lead to an expressive economic recovery, or to an improvement of the fiscal situation of the central government. Instead, the accelerated privatization and denationalization of the economy since the impeachment has further perpetuated stagnation, reinforced indebtedness, and reduced the capacity of the central government to respond.