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Michel Temer

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Michel Miguel Elias Temer Lulia is a Brazilian politician, lawyer, and poet. He served as the 37th president of Brazil from August 31, 2016, to January 1, 2019.

His presidency began during a period of intense political transition. He took office following the impeachment and removal of President Dilma Rousseff. Before becoming president, Temer served as the 24th vice president of Brazil starting in 2011. He also acted as president briefly starting on May 12, 2016, while the Senate processed Rousseff's impeachment trial. His leadership focused on major changes to the nation's economic and legal systems.

Temer's early life was shaped by his family's journey to Brazil. His parents, Nakhoul "Miguel" Elias Temer Lulia and March Barbar Lulia, were Lebanese immigrants. They moved from the village of Btaaboura to Brazil in 1925. They left Lebanon to escape famine and instability caused by World War I. Temer was the youngest of seven children. Although he dreamed of being a pianist, he eventually shifted his focus to the humanities. He moved to São Paulo in 1957 to finish high school. In 1963, he graduated from the Law School of the University of São Paulo.

Posse Dilma 2010 9
Posse Dilma 2010 9

Before entering high-level politics, Temer established a significant academic career. He earned a doctorate in public law from the Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo in 1974. Starting in 1968, he taught constitutional law and civil law at the same university. He held several important roles, including director of the postgraduate department. Temer also became a published author of legal texts. His 1982 book, *Elements of Constitutional Law*, focused on the separation of powers. This book became very successful, selling over 240,000 copies.

Temer's political rise involved many years of legislative service. He served six consecutive terms in the Chamber of Deputies, which is the lower house of Brazil's Congress. During this time, he also served as the president of the Chamber on three separate occasions. He was a member of the 1988 constituent assembly that created Brazil's current Constitution. He also led the PMDB, which was the largest political party in the country. As vice president, he worked closely with the administration of Dilma Rousseff. However, their relationship became strained as the impeachment process against her began.

Michel Temer Ministerial meeting
Michel Temer Ministerial meeting

During the 2016 impeachment process, Temer's role became highly controversial. In December 2015, he sent a letter to Rousseff expressing dissatisfaction with her leadership. He used the Latin phrase "Verba Volant, Scripta Manent" to emphasize his concerns. This letter was widely mocked on social media, with people comparing him to a decorative object. In April 2016, a leaked audio recording showed Temer discussing the potential change in government. This recording led to accusations of treachery from those supporting the president. Eventually, the Senate voted 61–20 to remove Rousseff from office.

Presidência do Senado (17316399604)
Presidência do Senado (17316399604)

As president, Temer faced significant challenges regarding his popularity and legal standing. He called for a government of "national salvation" to help the country. He aimed to overhaul the pension system and change labor laws to curb public spending. Despite these goals, his approval ratings were very low. A 2017 poll showed he had only 7% popular approval. Additionally, 76% of people in that poll favored his resignation.

2016 Summer Olympics opening ceremony 1035350-olimpiadas abertura-1328
2016 Summer Olympics opening ceremony 1035350-olimpiadas abertura-1328

Temer's administration was also marked by several serious legal investigations. Authorities investigated allegations of bribery involving state-run companies like Petrobras. Investigators looked into whether Temer or his associates received illegal funds from construction firms. One investigation involved a video of an aide carrying a suitcase with $150,000 in cash. Another investigation looked into $3.07 million in funds allegedly received by his party from the firm Odebrecht. Temer denied all wrongdoing and maintained that the funds were legal. In 2018, he was barred from running for office for eight years due to election law violations. He was succeeded by Jair Bolsonaro in 2019.

Vladimir Putin and Michel Temer (2017-06-20) 04
Vladimir Putin and Michel Temer (2017-06-20) 04
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🖼️ Images & Media (25)
File:Michel Temer colar do Mérito Judiciário - Cortada.jpg
Michel Temer colar do Mérito Judiciário -...
File:Vice-presidente Michel Temer com Medalha Mérito Legislativo 07.jpg
Vice-presidente Michel Temer com Medalha...
File:Posse Dilma 2010 9.jpg
Posse Dilma 2010 9.jpg
File:Presidência do Senado (17316399604).jpg
Presidência do Senado (17316399604).jpg
File:Michel Temer Ministerial meeting.jpg
Michel Temer Ministerial meeting.jpg
File:2016 Summer Olympics opening ceremony 1035350-olimpiadas abertura-1328.jpg
2016 Summer Olympics opening ceremony...
File:Michel Temer toma posse como presidente da República 1041351-31.08.2016 pzzb-3133 1.jpg
Michel Temer toma posse como presidente...
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Brics Leaders 2016.jpg
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Vladimir Putin and Michel Temer...
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Michel Temer and Donald Trump in Hamburg,...
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