Clashes in Brazil as Senate approves 20-year austerity plan

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Malta Today

Brazil’s senate has passed a controversial spending cap that will limit public spending to inflation for the next 20 years

14 December 2016, 8:22am



Protesters hold placards reading ‘Temer Out’ during a demonstration against austerity measures in Rio
de Janeiro, Brazil (Photo: Getty Images)



The Brazilian Senate has approved a controversial amendment to the constitution capping public spending for the next 20 years, despite protests across the country against the measure.

The spending cap, known as PEC 55, will now be signed off on 15 December and freezes expenditure in the executive, judiciary and legislative branches of power, allowing them to grow only by the rate of inflation in the previous year.

. . .

Temer has staked his government’s credibility on measures to reduce public spending – which soared out of control under impeached President Dilma Rousseff as Brazil sunk into a debilitating recession – and his ability to control the bickering parties in an unruly congress.

However, the spending cap has been described by a senior UN official as the most socially regressive austerity package in the world, while Brazilian leftists argued that it will damage the country’s already fragile health and education systems.

Read more: http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/world/72585/clashes_in_brazil_as_senate_approves_20year_austerity_plan#.WFEFdEkzVOk

[Judi Lynn]

1. Brazil spending cap sparks angry protests

Brazil spending cap sparks angry protests

5:36am GMT - 00:50

- Video at link -

http://uk.reuters.com/video/2016/12/14/brazil-spending-cap-sparks-angry-protest?rpc=401&videoId=370712765&feedType=VideoRSS&feedName=LatestVideosUK&rpc=401&videoChannel=117759

[Judi Lynn]

2. Protests Erupt Across Brazil as Senate Approves Austerity Measure

Protests Erupt Across Brazil as Senate Approves Austerity Measure

By SIMON ROMERO DEC. 13, 2016


Protests Erupt Across Brazil as Senate Approves Austerity Measure


RIO DE JANEIRO — Protests flared in cities around Brazil on Tuesday after the Senate approved a 20-year cap on federal spending, a cornerstone of President Michel Temer’s proposed austerity measures aimed at restoring confidence in the country’s ailing economy.

Evoking some of the fierce protests that have rattled the country in recent years, demonstrators attacked the iconic headquarters of the Federation of Industries in São Paulo, smashing the building’s windows before being dispersed by security guards.

Protests were reported in at least 15 cities, including in major urban centers like Rio de Janeiro, Salvador and Porto Alegre, and security forces arrested dozens of protesters in the capital, Brasília.

The protests reflect anger over the Senate vote, which could limit spending to the rate of inflation for as long as two decades, and Mr. Temer’s fledgling government, which is mired in graft scandals just months after the ouster of his predecessor, Dilma Rousseff.

More:
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/13/world/americas/brazil-protests-senate-austerity-michel-temer.html?_r=0

[Judi Lynn]

3. Police Crushes Demonstration in Brasilia with Bombs, Horse Soldiers

Police Crushes Demonstration in Brasilia with Bombs, Horse Soldiers



Brasilia, Dec 13 (Prensa Latina) The Military Police used today tear gas, stun bombs, pepper spray and horse soldiers to repress thousands of demonstrators opposing the harsh fiscal adjustment passed today by the Brazilian Senate.

The Brazilian Agency said that at least two police officers and a demonstrator were injured and both sides attacked each other at the Esplanade of the Ministries, where some fire outbreaks were reported.

Demonstrations against the Constitutional Amendment Proposal (PEC 55), sent by President Michel Temer to the Congress and by which public spending will be frozen for 20 years, began this morning in several regions of the country.

In Rio Grande do Sul, where roads were blocked and barricaded with tires, the Military Police also used sound bombs to break up demonstrators.

More:
http://www.plenglish.com/index.php?o=rn&id=6974&SEO=police-crushes-demonstration-in-brasilia-with-bombs-horse-soldiers