President Dilma Rousseff of Brazil has denounced a “coup” plot against her, suggesting that Vice-President Michel Temer is one of the “conspirators”.
The president – who is facing impeachment in the national Congress – hinted that he was one of the ringleaders of a plot to overthrow her.
She said an audio message released on Monday by Temer, whom she did not name, was evidence of the conspiracy.
In the message, Temer appears to accept replacing her as president.
He also calls for a government of national unity.
Correspondents say that it implied that Ms Rousseff’s impeachment had already happened. Temer says the message was released by accident – his office said it was sent to aides erroneously.
In it he appears to be rehearsing an inaugural speech. The tape was run by Brazilian media hours before an important vote by a congressional committee to decide whether impeachment proceedings against President Rousseff should continue.
“Many people sought me out so that I would give at least preliminary remarks to the Brazilian nation, which I am doing with modesty, caution and moderation,” he says on the recording.
The BBC’s Wyre Davies in Brazil says that, given the fact that Temer may also face impeachment proceedings, his words appear somewhat premature.
The 65-member congressional committee voted 38 to 27 to recommend going ahead with impeachment proceedings.
All eyes will now be on a full vote in the lower house starting on Sunday in the capital Brasilia.
Security will be stepped up around the Congress building, with thousands of police deployed in the area, local media report.
