Dilma Rousseff's impeachment was the culmination of a protracted and contentious political crisis in Brazil that began in 2015. Facing severe economic difficulties, including a deep recession, high unemployment, and inflation, Rousseff's administration struggled to maintain public support. Her opponents accused her of fiscal manipulation—specifically of using accounting tricks to conceal the true state of the federal budget, a practice she denied and which was common in previous administrations. The political climate became increasingly polarized, with massive protests both for and against her presidency.

The impeachment process was initiated by lower house lawmakers, who voted in April 2016 to move forward with the charges. The Brazilian Senate then held a trial, which lasted for several weeks, during which Rousseff defended herself against the accusations. Ultimately, in August, the Senate voted to convict Rousseff by a significant majority, leading to her removal from office. Following the impeachment, Vice President Michel Temer was sworn in as President, promising to enact reforms to stabilize the economy and restore investor confidence. Rousseff's departure marked a significant shift in Brazilian politics and underscored the intense divisions within the country.

The political ramifications of Rousseff's impeachment were profound, fueling ongoing debates about democracy, governance, and corruption in Brazil. The process was criticized by many who viewed it as a politically motivated attack rather than a legitimate judicial process, raising questions about the integrity of Brazil's political institutions. Furthermore, Rousseff’s ousting initiated a series of governance changes and a shift towards more conservative policies under Tempers presidency, impacting Brazil's social policies and international relations.