Path to Rousseff impeachment

Suspended president Dilma Rousseff is appearing before the Brazilian Senate to offer testimony in a trial that could see her permanently removed from office over accusations she violated the nation’s budget laws

Apr 11: Congressional committee

65-member cross-party body votes in favour of launching impeachment process against Rousseff

Members 38 65

Apr 17: Lower house of Congress

367 513

“Yes” camp wins required two-thirds majority to open impeachment proceedings

May 12: Senate (upper house)

55 81

Vote suspends Rousseff for 180 days. Vice President Michel Temer (inset left) becomes interim president

Aug 9: Senate indictment

59 81

Rousseff opponents secure simple majority needed to hold impeachment trial

Aug 25-26 / Aug 29-30: Trial

54 81

Two-thirds Senate majority required to permanently remove Rousseff

If Rousseff is impeached, Temer would complete her mandate until end of 2018 and she would be ineligible to stand for public office for eight years

Source: Wire agencies 

Pictures: Associated Press