President’s hold on office in Brazil looks to be weakening

BRASILIA, Brazil — Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff on Monday appeared on the verge of losing office after a congressional vote to impeach her and signs emerged that her support was slipping in the Senate, which will decide whether to remove her amid a political and economic crisis.

The 367-137 lower house vote in favor of impeachment Sunday sent the issue to the Senate, where 45 of the 81 senators have stated they will vote to hold an impeachment trial, according to local reports.

The lower chamber vote worsens the confusion over the country’s political landscape as Brazil, already reeling from a sharp economic recession and a massive corruption scandal, prepares to host the Olympic Games in August.

Many hold Rousseff responsible for everything from the devastating recession to chronic high taxes and poor public services.