Brasília - The Chamber of Deputies has scheduled a regular session today for votes on a series of bills, among them a tax cut for the business sector (known as the "good bill"), which has been awaiting a vote since July 31. The deputies will also vote on a bill setting the date of October 23 for the referendum on disarmament.

The attempt at a normal working day comes against the backdrop of a profound political crisis. Among other things, the president of the Chamber of Deputies, Serverino Cavalcanti (PP-PE), who is accused of extortion and taking bribes and kickbacks, is expected to resign this week. The president of the Chamber controls and organizes the legislative process. The election of a new president of the lower house, if it is a disputed election, could mean a further slowdown in legislative work.

Translator: Allen Bennett