“Brazilians sick of corrupt politicians hit the streets to protest austerity measures-Police clash with striking union workers in streets of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo as protesters in 26 states demonstrate against Michel Temer’s proposed reforms”, 29 April 2017

Brazilian unions have ratcheted up the pressure on president Michel Temer with a nationwide general strike that closed schools, disrupted transport networks and led to clashes with public security in several cities…[B]iggest general strike in decades, with protests reported in 26 states and strikes by teachers, bus drivers, healthcare providers, oil industry workers and public servants…[M]ultiple clashes in central Rio between protesters…and riot police…Cintia Manoel, a municipal employee, joined the crowd chanting “Fora Temer” (Temer out)…“I was there primarily against the government, which I consider illegitimate, and because of the workers’ rights and pension reform, which made this protest much bigger.” Daniela Barbosa,...elementary school teacher, said the proposed changes to the pension system would oblige her to work for several years longer than she wanted…Earlier this week, congress passed labour law reforms that weaken workers’ rights…Many voters are furious that politicians are insisting on the need for cuts in benefits and public services even as evidence grows that they benefited personally from illegal kickbacks on overinflated contracts. Eight cabinet ministers have been implicated in the Lava Jato (Car Wash) investigation into corruption at the country’s two biggest companies, Petrobras and Odebrecht. Temer’s approval ratings have slipped into single digits…