Vice President Assumes Leadership of Brazil, Names Cabinet Members

Turning a dark page in its history, Brazil suspended impeached President Fernando Collor de Mello on Friday and installed a new government.

In a muted ceremony that lasted four minutes, Vice President Itamar Franco became the new acting leader of Latin America’s largest nation while the Senate puts Collor on trial on corruption charges.

Trembling and appearing pale, Collor received notification of his suspension for 180 days early Friday at his office in the presidential palace. He was accompanied by his wife, Rosane, and a few members of his Cabinet, all of whom have been exonerated of any wrongdoing.

Collor, Brazil’s first freely elected leader in 29 years, will be tried by the Senate for lack of decorum, an impeachable offense. He is accused of receiving $6.5 million from a slush fund run by his 1989 campaign treasurer and close friend, Paulo Cesar Farias.

If found guilty, Collor will be removed from the presidency and barred from holding public office for eight years. He also could face criminal prosecution on corruption and tax evasion charges.

Franco, 62, promised his administration will be steered by “ethics.”

One of his first acts was to appoint Rep. Gustavo Krause as the new finance minister. Krause replaces Marcilio Marques Moreira, the architect of Brazil’s recent agreements with the International Monetary Fund and foreign creditor banks.

Franco named Sen. Fernando Henrique Cardoso foreign minister and Sen. Mauricio Correa to head the Justice Ministry.