History of Michel Temer

Michel Miguel Elias Temer Lulia, widely recognized as Michel Temer, is a prominent Brazilian politician who served as the 37th President of Brazil from August 31, 2016, to December 31, 2018. His political career is rooted deeply in Brazilian politics, having been a significant figure in various capacities over the decades, with his presidency marking a critical period in the country’s recent history.

Temer was born on September 23, 1940, in Tietê, a small town in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. His Lebanese parents emigrated to Brazil, instilling in him a rich cultural heritage that would later influence his diplomatic inclinations. Temer pursued law at the University of São Paulo, one of Brazil's most prestigious institutions, where he completed his degree in 1963. He then embarked on an academic career, teaching constitutional law, while simultaneously building his legal expertise and sculpting his future in politics.

His political journey began in earnest during the 1980s. He joined the Brazilian Democratic Movement (MDB), a centrist party that played a crucial opposition role during Brazil’s military dictatorship from 1964 to 1985. Temer quickly ascended through the party ranks due to his legal acumen, strategic mind, and diplomatic skills. In 1987, Temer was appointed a deputy in the Constituent Assembly, playing a vital role in drafting Brazil's 1988 Constitution, which re-established a democratic regime and federalism in Brazil. His contributions to this transformative period laid the groundwork for his later leadership roles.

Throughout the 1990s, Temer’s influence continued to grow. He served multiple terms as a Federal Deputy for São Paulo and became known for his commitment to constitutional law and governance. His reputation as a consensus builder led to him being elected as President of the Chamber of Deputies three times (1997-2001 and again from 2009-2010). These roles solidified his standing as a central figure in Brazilian politics and provided him with substantial legislative and political experience.

In 2011, Temer was perfectly positioned to serve nationally when he became Vice President of Brazil under President Dilma Rousseff. As Vice President, Temer portrayed himself as a moderate force capable of negotiating Brazil's volatile political landscape. During Rousseff's first term, Temer maintained a supportive role, focusing on maintaining the tenuous coalition between the MDB and Rousseff's Workers' Party (PT).

However, Rousseff's second term was marred by economic downturns and the explosive Petrobras corruption scandal, which implicated many political figures and eroded public confidence. Amidst this turmoil, Temer found his position increasingly pivotal. As discontent grew, so did the strain in Rousseff and Temer’s working relationship, ultimately fracturing the coalition between their parties.

In 2016, Rousseff faced impeachment charges over alleged fiscal irregularities. As Vice President, Temer became her successor after the Senate voted to impeach Rousseff on August 31, 2016. Michel Temer’s ascension to the presidency was received with mixed reactions. While some viewed him as a stable choice capable of steering Brazil through turbulent times, others saw his rise as opportunistic, given his prior support for Rousseff’s impeachment.

Temer's presidency focused on restoring economic stability and implementing market-friendly reforms to revitalize Brazil's economy. He attempted to introduce controversial pension reforms and labor laws, advocating austerity to control Brazil's massive public deficit. However, these proposed changes faced fierce opposition from unions and opposition parties, reflecting the deep divides in Brazilian society.

In 2017, Temer's presidency faced its own corruption allegations when he was accused of accepting bribes from the meat-packing company JBS. The allegations, fueled by a recording released to the media, significantly damaged his reputation and led to widespread protests calling for his resignation. Nevertheless, Temer survived two congressional votes that sought to put him on trial, maintaining the presidency despite plummeting approval ratings.

Throughout his tenure, Temer's legacy was defined by his focus on economic reforms and the contentious political environment. His presidency oversaw modest economic recovery after Brazil’s worst recession in history, with inflation rates dropping and GDP growth showing signs of improvement. Nonetheless, the deep-seated political challenges and widespread public distrust in political figures remained critical issues.

Temer’s term concluded on December 31, 2018, after which Jair Bolsonaro succeeded him following the presidential election. After leaving office, Michel Temer faced legal troubles, including arrest in 2019 on charges related to corruption, although he was later released. These events underscored the complexities and ongoing challenges within Brazil’s political system.

Michel Temer’s political career reflects the intricate dynamics of Brazilian governance, characterized by periods of cooperation and contention. His story is illustrative of the broader landscape of Brazilian politics, where legal expertise, political acumen, and strategic maneuvering shape the trajectories of its leaders. As history continues to assess his impact, Temer's role during a transformative period in Brazilian politics offers valuable insights into the complexities and challenges inherent in leading one of the world’s largest democracies.