Palocci's downfall makes headlines around the world.
International press reports on the departure of Dilma's right-hand man, the first major crisis of her government, and the president's attitude.
Roberta Namour, correspondent for Brasil 247 in Paris – The fall of Antonio Palocci from the Ministry of the Civil House reverberated around the world. In their online versions, the main international newspapers reported the minister's resignation and the appointment of Senator Gleisi Hoffmann to the position – ending what was considered by many to be the first major crisis of Dilma Rousseff's government.
With the headline "Dilma Rousseff loses her main minister, accused of illicit enrichment," the French newspaper "Le Monde" says that the Brazilian president suffered her first political setback, five months into her term. "Called upon to explain himself, Mr. Palocci broke a long silence on Friday to affirm that his activities were strictly personal and denied any influence peddling. But, by refusing to reveal the names of his clients, he was not convincing," says Le Monde.
In the United States, "The New York Times," in addition to reporting on the case, lists other scandals that brought down ministers of the Civil House in Brazil – José Dirceu, Erenice Guerra, and Palocci. The current president, as the newspaper points out, was the only one to head the ministry in Lula's government and not resign.
The Spanish newspaper "El País" states that Antonio Palocci was responsible for Lula's neoliberal economic project and that his departure creates a political earthquake. "According to analysts, Palocci's departure was inevitable, despite resulting in the biggest political crisis for Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's successor since she came to power in January," wrote El País.
While previous publications preserved Dilma's personal image in the scandal, the Financial Times' Beyond BRICS blog strongly criticizes her. According to the text, Antonio Palocci's departure from office left the president looking like a "lame duck." "The main target seems to be herself, who had been losing political capital by ignoring the demands of Congress in a manner considered arrogant."