and a million across the country
The targets of the protests, now in their second week, have broadened to include high taxes, inflation, corruption and poor public services ranging from hospitals and schools to roads and police forces.
It’s not about bus fares, it’s about inflation, lack of security, corruption, and mismanagement:
Brazil Protests Surge Despite Concession
One Day After Cities Roll Back Transport Costs, Hundreds of Thousands Hit Streets, as Even Ruling Workers Party Joins In
The protests are grounded in the country’s large middle class—polls show in that in São Paulo some 75% of marchers have college education, several times the national average.
For some observers, the marchers’ deep frustrations and diverse demands—from improvement of public services to reduction in political corruption—reflect how the standards of a growing middle class are rising faster than the country’s broader climb toward modernity.
Brazil embraced democracy in 1985. But the parties still run on inefficient systems of cronyism, backroom dealings and a seeming indifference to corruption. One of the issues that refired the protests in recent days is the fact that congress was preparing to approve a law to strip public prosecutors of their ability to investigate issues such as political corruption.
Other observers cite Brazil’s sluggish growth and a sense that the nation has squandered its long economic boom on frivolous pursuits like hosting next year’s World Cup and the 2016 Olympics. The shiny new stadiums built are in contrast with the country’s shabby hospitals and schools. “We want FIFA quality hospitals” is a popular sign held in protests, referring to the world soccer organization that organizes the World Cup.
Dilma will face re-election next year, so not much will change.
UPDATE,
I say protestors, you say . . .
(h/t Gerard)
