(ATR) The sports ministry has been dragged into the current political crisis in Brazil.
Current minister George Hilton’s party, the Brazilian Republican Party (PRB), said in a statement on March 18 that because it had left the current ruling coalition it would be returning the ministry position to the government.
"The PRB informs the public that Minister of Sports, Congressman George Hilton, met with the President of the Republic, Dilma Rousseff, on the evening of [March 17] to confirm the delivery of the advertised post to the national president," Marcos Pereira, President of the PRB, said in the statement.
"Hilton has already prepared a letter of resignation, despite appeals to remain in his function, especially in view of the Olympic Games, and is waiting for the confirmation of the new minister for the transfer of the position."
On March 17 the PRB voted to leave the ruling coalition, the second party to do so in the current political climate.
After the announcement, Hilton released a statement saying that he had switched parties in order to remain in control of the ministry and continue his duties. Hilton has joined the Republican Party of Social Order (PROS), a small center-right party in the ruling coalition.
"I understand that at this time, we, who work in public life, must strive towards undoing conflicts, prevent injustice and work hard for democratic normality and the soundness of national institutions," Hilton said in a statement reported by Brazilian media.
"I understand that the mission in these dark days involves supporting the government of President Dilma Rousseff, elected by the majority of the Brazilian people in a clean and regular election. Following a frank invitation, I have joined the PROS."
Requests for comment from the Brazilian sports ministry were not returned.
Brazil is currently facing a political crisis after President Rousseff appointed former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva as chief of staff. Outsiders initially saw the move as a bid to protect Lula from an investigation into money laundering.
After the appointment, which is being challenged by courts in Brazil, the first steps of impeachment proceedings were started in the Brazilian lower house. A committee has been formed in the lower house to hear the defense of President Rousseff. If the lower house secures a two-thirds vote to move ahead with proceedings, Rousseff will have to step down from office during the investigation by the upper house.
Written by Aaron Bauer in Rio de Janeiro
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