Raymond Colitt

Brazil’s tourism minister resigned on Wednesday — the fifth Cabinet member to resign in three months — over allegations of ethics violations.

The Brics are considering offering support to the euro area, possibly by buying bonds, but there are doubts that a significant plan will materialise.

When Dilma Rousseff is sworn in on Saturday as Brazil’s next president, she will take the reins of an emerging giant with a booming economy.

Brazil’s ruling party candidate and front-runner in next week’s presidential election came under heavy fire in a debate over corruption allegations.