Brazil's No. 3 Politician Resigns

On Wednesday Severino Cavalcanti, the head of Brazil's lower house of Congress resigned because as he stated, "... I have already been condemned, my guilt had already been declared without appeal, without proof, without investigationl." Calavalcanti was accused of numerous counts of accepting bribes. His resignation is causing strong tensions in the government as they try to fill the position. There is also a greater risk to the government upon his resignation. If the ooposing party takes Cavalcanti's place, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva risks impeachment. Calvalcanti had the power to block requests for impeachment or investigation of politicians and steer the legislative agenda, and his leaving leaves Lula vulnerable to the other party. The presidents popularity has plunged since 2002, and he will gave to greatly increase his popularity to have a chance at winning in 2006. He did make promises to clean up the corruption that pervades Brazilian political life that helped him a great deal. For the upcoming 2006 election, a new poll showed Lula and his opponante Jose Serra are very closly tied so far. However, neither man has confirmed that he will run or the position.

link: http://www.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/americas/09/21/brazil.congress.reut/index.html