Politicians will have fewer chances to change parties

The Brazilian Chamber of Deputies (Lower House of Congress) approved the law for party fidelity on Tuesday. According to the bill submitted for approval, politicians will be allowed to change parties only within a 30-day period, which will take place 2 years and 11 months after starting the mandate. Those who choose to change parties outside of this allowed period could be prevented from participating in elections for up to four years. The bill, which was approved by 292 votes against 34, still needs to be approved by the Senate to become law. In recent years, it has become common for politicians to change parties frequently in the country, in order to achieve certain political favors.

Brazilian Congress blames American pilots for accident

The Brazilian Chamber of Deputies (Lower House of Congress) has blamed the American pilots of the Legacy jet Joseph Lepore and Jan Paladino, together with four Brazilian air traffic controllers, for the accident between the jet and a Boeing in September 2006. The accident killed 154 people, all aboard the Boeing.

The report was presented today by Congressman Marco Maia, who prepared it for a special Congress Investigation Comission created to study the problems in air travel in the country. After the accident, Brazilians have been experiencing several delays and problems with air travel in the country, with the air traffic control structure being severely questioned by authorities and the general public.