A prominent Brazilian minister accused of corruption has resigned, over a scandal which also involves President Michel Temer.<\/p>\n
Geddel Vieira Lima, who was in charge of relations with Congress, was accused by a former minister of pressuring him to approve a property investment.<\/p>\n
Mr Temer was also accused of trying to help Mr Lima. The president denies the allegations.<\/p>\n
The crisis could be a blow to Mr Temer, who has vowed to fight corruption.<\/p>\n
A spokeswoman for Brazil’s public prosecutor told Reuters news agency an investigation into Mr Temer may be launched.<\/p>\n
Mr Lima is the fourth minister to leave the government under corruption allegations.<\/p>\n
Former Culture Minister Marcelo Calero accused Mr Lima of pressuring him to allow the construction of luxury apartments in a historic district of Salvador, in the north-eastern state of Bahia.<\/p>\n
The ministry vetoed the project on the grounds that the proposed building was on a heritage site.<\/p>\n
Mr Calero, who resigned last week, told the police both the president and the minister had pressured him to overturn the decision.<\/p>\n
Mr Lima bought a property there, where each apartment reportedly costs 2.6m reais ($760,000; \u00a3611,000).<\/p>\n
Mr Temer admitted talking to Mr Calero about the issue.<\/p>\n
Earlier this week, an ethics panel decided to open an investigation into Mr Lima over the allegations, before the president’s alleged involvement came to light.<\/p>\n