Impeachment: what is it in simple words and examples

2024 Author: Henry Conors | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-12 02:55

You can often hear the word "impeachment" on TV screens. What is it in simple words? Who has been treated and in which countries?

Usually, he is remembered during a political or economic crisis. You can learn more about this in the article.

Definition of concept

The word has English roots, it is translated as "distrust". What is impeachment? This definition implies a special judicial procedure for officials with their subsequent removal from their positions. An official refers to both the minister and the president.

History of occurrence

The meaning of impeachment originated in fourteenth century England. The House of Commons was given the power to bring the king's ministers to trial by the Lords. The basis was a criminal case. Prior to this, only the reigning monarch had the right to make such a decision.

Over time, this procedure has become entrenched in US law. Judges and governors may be subject to impeachment.

Blaws of different countries

Now I understand what impeachment is. In simple terms, this is the dismissal of a civil servant. There is a similar procedure in most states. Basically, the issue of impeachment is decided at the government level. However, in Liechtenstein, the procedure for removing the prince from power is carried out on the basis of a popular referendum.

In the US, the question of dismissal is put forward in the House of Representatives. Then the Senate should get a two-thirds majority.

In Ukraine, the institution of impeachment refers to the position of the president. This is described in the third article of the Constitution. The Verkhovna Rada removes him from power. 226 deputies and more must vote. The reason may be high treason or another crime.

Impeachment Parade

To better understand what it is in simple terms (impeachment), real examples should be given. In Europe, there are practically no cases of bringing a case to an end. We can only remember 2004. Lithuanian President Paksas was accused of granting citizenship to businessman Yuri Borisov in exchange for a $400,000 donation. Rolandas Paksas pleaded not guilty, but was suspended.

The situation in the states of South America is much more interesting. So in Brazil, the Senate opposed the president. Fernando Colora de Melo resigned, but the government decided to see it through. The President was impeached on charges of corruption.

Similar accusation madeVenezuelan government Carlos Perez. The President was removed from power and placed under house arrest for two years.

In 1997, the trial began in Ecuador against Abdala Bukaram. He was accused on several counts at once: illegal use of the armed forces, inappropriate behavior and corruption. As a result, the Ecuadorian "dance lover" emigrated to Panama.

In 2000, there was an incident in Peru. The president fled the country to Japan. The reason for this was the massive protests that were provoked by corruption among Alberto Fujimori's entourage. The leader of Peru resigned, but the Congress did not accept it and brought the impeachment procedure to an end. He was accused of "persistent moral failure."

Sometimes impeachment led to a deterioration in relations with other countries. So in 2012 in Paraguay, the president was accused of improper use of his official duties. Parliament removed him, but many Latin American states considered that a coup had taken place in Paraguay and recalled their ambassadors.

In the United States, three attempts were made to remove the president: Andrew Johnson, Richard Nixon, Bill Clinton. But in two cases they were acquitted by the Senate, and Nixon resigned without waiting for the government's decision.

In the legislation of the Russian Federation

In Russia, there is also an institution of impeachment. It is difficult to understand what it is in simple words. The procedure is described in the ninety-third article of the country's constitution. If the president has committed a crime, the State Dumabrings charges against him. The Supreme Court and the Federation Council also give their confirmation.

Attempts to remove Boris Yeltsin

The meaning of impeachment is not only the removal of the president or the highest government official from office. It is necessary to bring him to justice. Although most often impeachment is discussed when the president and the government cannot agree. The impeachment of the president is also known in the Russian Federation.

In Russia, there were three attempts to carry out the removal procedure. All of them were directed against Boris Yeltsin. The first time this happened in 1993, but by decision of a popular referendum, the president retained his post. In the same year, another conflict situation arose between the leader of the state and government officials. A weapon had to be used to resolve it.

In 1998, a parliamentary commission was created under the State Duma. She prepared accusations on which Yeltsin was threatened with impeachment, but none of the points won a majority of the votes of the deputies.

Every removal from power has political consequences. Even if it was done legally.