It's because of the soccer, apparently. I don't mean to be flippant - it's extremely serious.
People in Brazil are angry about the huge amount of money being poured into soccer stadiums and other infrastructure for the World Cup and the Olympic Games - money they say would be better spent on schools, teachers' salaries, health care and other essential services.
The protests started because of an increase in the price of public transport fares. But even when it was announced that the fares would be reduced, the people were not so easily appeased. The demonstrations had taken hold, and intensified in a broader social protest.
They are fed up with government corruption. The International Herald Tribune reports (20 June 2013) that following a high-profile trial, none of the officials who were found guilty have yet begun serving their prison sentences.
The report goes on to say that Brazil's long economic boom may be coming to an end. The economy has slowed, inflation is high, and the value of its currency is declining against the dollar. Yet Brazilians have high expectations, and these have not been met.
Natasha Lennard at www.salon.com writes "Brazil’s military dictatorship only ended in 1985. It’s worth considering that the masses, pouring into Brazil’s streets and squares now, know creeping authoritarianism when they see it. "
One can imagine that the ambitious program of investment is likely to bring massive returns and build wealth for Brazil. But will it be soon enough? And what will happen in the meantime?
People in Brazil are angry about the huge amount of money being poured into soccer stadiums and other infrastructure for the World Cup and the Olympic Games - money they say would be better spent on schools, teachers' salaries, health care and other essential services.
The protests started because of an increase in the price of public transport fares. But even when it was announced that the fares would be reduced, the people were not so easily appeased. The demonstrations had taken hold, and intensified in a broader social protest.
They are fed up with government corruption. The International Herald Tribune reports (20 June 2013) that following a high-profile trial, none of the officials who were found guilty have yet begun serving their prison sentences.
The report goes on to say that Brazil's long economic boom may be coming to an end. The economy has slowed, inflation is high, and the value of its currency is declining against the dollar. Yet Brazilians have high expectations, and these have not been met.
Natasha Lennard at www.salon.com writes "Brazil’s military dictatorship only ended in 1985. It’s worth considering that the masses, pouring into Brazil’s streets and squares now, know creeping authoritarianism when they see it. "
One can imagine that the ambitious program of investment is likely to bring massive returns and build wealth for Brazil. But will it be soon enough? And what will happen in the meantime?
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