Brazilian president suspended as parliament votes to put her on trial

Dilma Rousseff: Brazilian president suspended as parliament votes for impeachment trial

Brazil's president Dilma Rousseff has been suspended by the country's senate and will now face an impeachment trial.

The senate voted in favour of putting Ms Rousseff on trial for breaking budget laws by 55 votes to 22.

The was significantly higher than the simple majority of 41 votes needed to suspend her, suggesting she will face a struggle to return to power.

Michel Temer, her vice-president, will become acting president during the trial.

People gather to demonstrate in favor of impeachment of President Dilma Rousseff in Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (Getty)

Ms Rousseff, Brazil's first female president, has been accused of violating fiscal laws while closing gaps in the budget using money from state banks.

However, she denies allegations of wrongdoing, and insists that the impeachment is politically motivated.

The trial will determine whether she can serve out her second term and could last up to six months.