A coup and austerity bring chaos to Brazil
A coup and austerity bring chaos to Brazil
Dec Saturday 31st 2016
posted by Morning Star in Features
Brazilians face an uncertain future as Temer’s unelected government forces austerity into the country’s constitution, writes CHRIS WILLIAMSON
YOU’D be forgiven for not knowing the state of Brazilian politics. Indeed, other than the Star and a few articles in the Guardian, the media coverage of the fifth-biggest country in the world has at times felt non-existent.
But with the passing this month of a controversial 20-year spending freeze by a president, who was installed without an election, the country’s economy faces chaos, and it will be the poorest who suffer the most.
The controversial measure, known as PEC55, limits spending at all levels of government in health, education and social welfare and is part of a drastic set of austerity policies. At a time when the education system is considered to be failing and 75 per cent of the population are reliant on the free health service, it’s no surprise that this has prompted a huge backlash.
Thousands have taken to the streets in cities across the country, major trade unions have called a national strike and students have occupied over 1,100 schools and universities.
More:
http://www.morningstaronline.co.uk/a-d0a6-A-coup-and-austerity-bring-chaos-to-Brazil#.WGcrNUkzWwk
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