A Brazil Supreme Court [official website] justice on Tuesday ordered investigations into eight cabinet ministers and dozens of lawmakers who are allegedly linked to the country’s so-called “car wash” bribery scheme. The list of those under investigation [Reuters report] consists of high-ranking officials in key political positions. Citizens in Brazil have erupted in protest due to the alleged political corruption conspiracy. The investigation threatens President Michel Temer [official profile] efforts to pass reforms directing at strengthen investor confidence and rebuilding the economy. According to Senator Jorge Viana

Brazil has endured tumultuous times as former president Dilma Rousseff was ousted for corruption [JURIST report] during a time of economic turmoil. The implications imposed from the anti-corruption measure “Operation Carwash” [JURIST report] hangs over the economy of Brazil. Charges have been filed against some of Brazil’s most powerful politicians, including [JURIST report] former president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. In late September former finance minister Antonio Palocci was arrested [JURIST report]. In November Rousseff’s lawyers filed documents [JURIST report] with the Superior Electoral Court in Brazil alleging that her former vice president and current President Michel Temer took a large bribe.