Hundreds of thousands expected at nationwide rallies protesting against corruption and economic slowdown, and calling for president’s impeachment
Brazilians have taken to the streets across the country for an anti-government protest that is seen as a barometer of popular discontent with the president, Dilma Rousseff.
Called out mostly by activist groups via social media, Sunday’s protests assailed Rousseff, who is fighting for her political life amid a snowballing corruption scandal that has embroiled politicians from her Workers’ party, as well as a sputtering economy, spiralling currency and rising inflation. It was the third nationwide day of protests against Rousseff’s government this year, following large-scale demonstrations in March and April.
Political analysts said the turnout at Sunday’s demonstrations could determine the protest movement’s future. Massive crowds could ratchet up the pressure on the government, while a low turnout would give Rousseff some breathing room.
Thousands of people brandishing Brazilian flags streamed onto Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, and smaller demonstrations were under way in the Amazonian city of Belem and the central city of Belo Horizonte.
In the capital, Brasilia, a march on a central avenue flanked by ministries and monuments appeared to have drawn several thousand participants. More than 200 demonstrations were expected around the country.
The demonstrations were called largely by web-based activist groups with demands ranging from Rousseff’s impeachment to a return to military dictatorship like the one that ruled the country from 1964-1985. But an end to corruption appeared to be a top demand, amid the widening inquiry into corruption at the state-run Petrobras oil company.
Read more:
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/aug/16/brazilians-protest-pressure-builds-on-dilma-rousseff
