Brazil court rules against Rousseff, opens way for impeachment

Brazil's President Dilma Rousseff looks on during the launch ceremony of the "Olympic Year for Tourism" in Brasilia, Brazil Oct 7, 2015. 

PHOTO: REUTERS

OCT 8, 20157:23 AM

[BRASILIA] Brazil's Federal Accounts Court on Wednesday rejected President Dilma Rousseff's handling of the government accounts last year, paving the way for the embattled leader's potential impeachment.

In a unanimous vote the court, known as TCU, ruled that Ms Rousseff committed a series of irregularities to cover a widening fiscal deficit last year. It is the first time the court has rejected the accounts of a head of state in nearly 80 years.

Although the ruling is not legally binding, it could be used by the opposition to build a case for Ms Rousseff's impeachment in a Congress increasingly hostile to the unpopular leftist.

REUTERS