Minister resigns over corruption
Brazilian minister, Geddel Vieira Lima, accused of corruption has resigned over a scandal which also involves President Michel Temer. Former Culture Minister Marcelo Calero accused Lima of pressuring him to allow the construction of luxury apartments in a historic district of Salvador, in the north-eastern state of Bahia. Lima bought a property there, where […]
Brazilian minister, Geddel Vieira Lima, accused of corruption has resigned over a scandal which also involves President Michel Temer.
Former Culture Minister Marcelo Calero accused Lima of pressuring him to allow the construction of luxury apartments in a historic district of Salvador, in the north-eastern state of Bahia.
Lima bought a property there, where each apartment reportedly costs 2.6m reais ($760,000; £611,000).
Temer was also accused of trying to help Lima. The president denies the allegations.
The crisis could be a blow to Temer, who has vowed to fight corruption.
A spokeswoman for Brazil’s public prosecutor said an investigation into Temer may be launched.
Lima is the fourth minister to leave the government under corruption allegations.
Temer admitted talking to Mr Calero about the issue.
Earlier this week, an ethics panel decided to open an investigation into Lima over the allegations, before the president’s alleged involvement came to light.
Temer came to power earlier this year, after former President Dilma Rousseff was impeached. She was accused of manipulating the budget, but maintained her innocence and said that her political opponents had carried out a “parliamentary coup.”