Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff Vows to Take Action through Reforms

The persistent protests happening in Brazil and causing destabilization prompted Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff to propose a referendum. In the hope of putting an end to weeks of unrest, Pres. Rousseff stated that she would ensure implementation of initiatives meant to address corruption and improve public services. However, despite these assurances, Mayara Longo Vivian, Free Fare Movement’s leader said that President Rousseff’s message did not specify solid measures that would solve the problems plaguing the country today. Vivian said that they would continue the fight in the streets.

For the past few weeks, Brazilians organized widespread protests and unified demonstrations. Sources confirmed that these protests are considered the largest ever seen in over 20 years of Brazil’s political history.

The heart of the matter

On the night of the same day that the announcement was made by Pres. Rousseff, demonstrations were organized anew in several cities. However, the attendees were fewer in number than in previous protests which resulted to violence and clashes with police officers.

It all started in the town of São Paulo where people took to the streets to denounce the proposed fare hike. The protest eventually turned into a political issue, dragging with it the government’s plan, or lack of it, with regard to the perennial problem of poverty in the country. Protesters also cited misappropriation of funds that were poured into the upcoming World Cup. In addition, the leaders of the street mobilizations wanted reforms on educational and health programs, two of the most basic needs of the country’s poor communities.

Rouseff’s government is listening

In a speech, President Rousseff announced to the people of Brazil than she will execute five priorities referred to as the “five pacts.” Together with all levels of government, she promised to prioritize issues regarding public transportation, education, health care, fiscal responsibility and political reforms.

Pres. Rouseff emphasized that her government is listening to the cries of the people. Her ultimate move to put a stop to the continuing protests in Brazil is pushing for a constitutional assembly that would oversee the implementation of necessary political reforms. She met with city mayors and governors with the aim of getting them to extend their full support to her initiative.

Hosting the World Cup

The protests that flared in response to a fare hike in São Paulo eventually widened its scope and now include many urgent issues surrounding the current administration. One of the reasons why people have gone to the streets chanting cries of dissatisfaction to the government was the building of new stadiums for the World Cup in 2014. Protest groups explained that they are very unhappy with the amount of money the government is pouring into the construction of facilities for the upcoming athletic event.

Protesters expressed grave disappointment that the Brazilian government is setting aside the current needs of the poor in order to satisfy the requirements of an athletic event that is yet to happen. Moreover, they argued that hosting the prestigious World Cup in Brazil does not entirely mean that every citizen can watch and participate. World Cup ticket prices are largely unaffordable for the average Brazilian.

Photo Credit: President Dilma Rousseff