PSDB exits Brazilian gov't, leaving coalition fragile

BRASILIA, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- The Brazilian Social Democracy Party (PSDB), the main ally in government of the ruling Brazilian Democratic Movement Party (PMDB) of President Michel Temer, has exited the ruling coalition, it was announced on Wednesday.

Speaking to the press in Brasilia, Interior Minister Eliseu Padilha said that the PSDB already said "it would leave and we will do everything necessary to maintain the base" of support.

The PSDB is one of Brazil's main political parties and runs a number of states, including the richest in the country, Sao Paulo.

Local press reports said that current Sao Paulo governor, Geraldo Alckmin, pushed for the exit from government as he prepares his run for the presidency in 2018.

The PSDB won the presidency in 1995 with Fernando Henrique Cardoso governing Brazil until 2003. It was also the main opposition party during the 13 years in power of the Workers' Party (PT).

After former President Dilma Rousseff was impeached last year, the PSDB entered Temer's government coalition, taking various ministries. It currently holds three cabinet seats, foreign affairs, interior and human rights, although no news has been given on whether Temer intends to replace these three ministers.

Corruption charges against Temer had opened up a rift inside the PSDB, with many members calling for an exit from the coalition in order to maintain chances of winning the 2018 presidential election. Enditem