The Americas

Phone tap adds to pressure on Brazil's interim president

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Brazil's acting President Michel Temer speaks during a meeting with trade unions, on the government's proposal for Social Security reform, at the Planalto Presidential Palace, in Brasilia, Brazil, Monday, May 16, 2016. Temer, Dilma Rousseff's two-time running-mate turned nemesis, immediately assumed power after her May 12 suspension and will remain while an impeachment trial takes place within the next six months. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres) (The Associated Press)

With a sign that reads in Portuguese "Temer out," demonstrators march against Brazil's acting President Michel Temer and in support of Brazil's suspended President Dilma Rousseff, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Sunday, May 22, 2016. Temer took office after Rousseff was suspended for up to 180 days while the Senate holds an impeachment trial. (AP Photo/Andre Penner) (The Associated Press)

Brazil's Planning Minister Romero Juca gives a press conference about a leaked phone recording at his offices in Brasilia, Brazil, Monday, May 23, 2016. Brazil’s interim government came under fire on Monday, as a secret recording emerged of Juca discussing an alleged agreement to push for President Dilma Rousseff’s impeachment to stall a massive corruption probe that has engulfed much of the South American nation’s political class. Juca said his comments had been taken out of context. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres) (The Associated Press)

A leaked recording of a phone conversation is adding to pressure on Brazil's acting President Michel Temer.

The recording made public Monday shows one of his closest advisers telling a company president that impeaching President Dilma Rousseff would be the best way to stall the corruption probe at oil giant Petrobras that has ensnared many top politicians.

Planning Minister Romero Juca has confirmed the conversation that was revealed by the Folha de S.Paulo newspaper, saying it occurred early this year. He denies that making Temer president was intended to stop the investigation.

Brazil's Senate voted to impeach Rousseff on May 12 and Temer took over temporarily.

Juca himself is under investigation for alleged corruption. He's rejected calls to resign by members of Rousseff's Worker's Party and some of Temer's allies.