Brazilian VP rehearses presidential takeover speech: leaked audio

Brazilian Vice President Michel Temer rehearsed a speech to the nation, indicating he was preparing for a takeover from President Dilma Rousseff, who faces impeachment, a leaked audio has revealed.

The audio was made public on Monday as a special impeachment committee in the lower house of parliament was debating on Rousseff's impeachment, making it appear as if Temer believed the impeachment of Rousseff a foregone conclusion.

Temer of the Brazilian Democratic Movement Party (PMDB) would become president if Rousseff of the Workers' Party is impeached.

In the 15-minute audio, which Temer's press adviser said was "mistakenly" sent from his cellphone to PMDB lawmakers, the vice president said he will lead a government of "national salvation."

"Now that the Chamber of Deputies has decided by a significant vote to authorize the start of the impeachment process against the president," says Temer, "the great mission, as of this moment, is the pacification of the country, the reunification of the country."

By the time of the rehearsal, the congressional impeachment committee had yet to make a decision.

The committee voted later Monday to go ahead with Rousseff's impeachment. A full-chamber vote would take place on Sunday. Two-thirds of the chamber would have to vote in favor for the motion to move on to the Senate for a final decision.

Temer has been regarded as the mastermind behind the PMDB's announcement last month to leave the ruling coalition, a key move toward the impeachment of Rousseff. Endi