Leftist leaders leap to defense of ousted Brazilian president

Leftist leaders leap to defense of ousted Brazilian president

Maria Lourdes Hercules, Special for USA TODAY 4:09 p.m. EDT May 12, 2016

The impeachment of Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff drew condemnation by fellow leftist leaders in South America, while more conservative leaders endorsed the legal process that led to her ouster.

Rousseff, the first female president of Brazil, was suspended Thursday and replaced by her right-of-center Vice President Michel Temer. Here are reactions from neighboring countries and their government's political leanings:

Venezuela: The Chancellery of the Republic issued a statement rejecting the impeachment of Rousseff. "The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela considers that the coup in development has been forged from the moment of the election of President Dilma Rousseff," the statement from the leftist government said. "The process of Coup in Brazil aims to replace popular sovereignty and ignoring the legitimate will of its people. ... We appeal to the people of the world to remain vigilant and ready to defend democracy, President Dilma Rousseff and processes of unity and integration among our countries."

. . .

Chile: The leftist government expressed "concern" at the events of its "sister nation." The Chilean foreign minister, Heraldo Munoz, highlighted the "excellent relations" they have had with Rousseff and that they rely on the strength of democracy in Brazil to resolve internal affairs, according to El Universal.

More:
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2016/05/12/brazil-president-impeachment-south-america-reaction/84285888/

LBN:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10141447937