Member Since: 2/19/2007
Posts: 33,412
|
Quote:
The bus fare increase was the tipping point for launching demonstrations, the basis for public disenchantment with the policies of the ruling elite goes far deeper, particularly the general population's disappointment with the inadequate provision of social services in Brazil, while mega sports projects such as the 2013 Confederations Cup, the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympics have turned out to be over-budget, and have resulted in a series of revelations about gross overbillings and multi-billion dollar financial scandals. Other points of discontent are the high inflation rates and increases in food prices.
Other commonly stated reasons for the malaise include higher taxes, poorly functioning health services, low education rates, inadequate welfare benefits, high unemployment rates, and the ever-increasing slums where populations live in overcrowded sub-standard living conditions.
There is also a feeling of powerlessness due to widespread cases of corruption and embezzlement, lack of transparency, and financial accountability. Indicted leaders and politicians would often stay in power despite being cited for corruption and collusion in the growing overbilling scandals. The protesters are particularly objecting to a law currently being drafted – known as PEC 37 – seen as a cover up for corrupt politicians, and a reduction of the power of judiciary in pursuing cases.
June 1 to 14:
In June 2013 a series of protests in the Brazilian city of São Paulo were organized against bus and metro fare hikes announced by the city mayor Fernando Haddad in January 2013 that said the changes from R$ 3.00 to R$ 3.20 would go into effect on June 1.
The first big protest was held on June 6 on Paulista Avenue. In ensuing and growing protests, news reports mentioned that police "lost control" on June 13, with the use of rubber bullets against protesters and even journalists covering the events. Many civil society groups have criticized the harsh police response, including Amnesty International and the Associação Nacional de Jornais.
June 17 to 18:
An estimated quarter million protesters took to the streets on Monday June 17 in various cities. The biggest protests were organized in Rio de Janeiro, where 100,000 attended from mid-afternoon of Monday 17 June to late dawn of Tuesday 18 June. Although mostly peaceful, the protests accelerated with the invasion the State's Legislative Chamber, causing riot police to be called in. Three protesters were injured by gunfire, reportedly by police forces, while ten others were hospitalized. State government authorities did not intervene, saying this was an issue for the Military Police. Other protests erupted in support of those being detained by police. Demonstrations were held in a number of cities. The ones held in Curitiba were reported attended by over 10,000 people.
Minor protests staged by Brazilians living abroad were held in several countries including Australia, Ireland, Italy, Germany, Spain, Portugal, United Kingdom and United States among others.
June 19:
Protests continued on a lesser scale. Mayors of several Brazilian cities announced reduction of bus fares or cancellation of previously announced increases, including Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo where the largest protests had occurred.
June 20:
Protests at over 100 cities arround the country are expected to rally at least 1 million people. Special measures are being taken to protect main government buildings on major cities like the federal capital Brasilia, São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Belo Horizonte among others.
|
Rio de Janeiro have 300k+ people on the streets right now.
|
|
|
|
