More massive protests are happening throughout Brazil today, as people show their
concern about an array of social issues.
Listen to regional correspondent
James Blears' report...
Some officials
say the rise in bus fares throughout Brazilian Cities prompted this groundswell of
nationwide disquiet and unrest . But the faultlines were already there, before this
issue acted as a catalyst. Bus fares have now been rescinded. The Mayor of Sao
Paulo Ferenando Haddad is grumbling this is a sacrifice and the cuts WILL be found
from elsewhere. A comment echoed by other civic leaders, but not calculated to pour
oil on VERY troubled waters. The situation remains volitile in the cities of Sao
Paulo, Brasilia and Rio de Janiero. Protesters are preparing rallies and are demonstrating
against corruption, vast spending on the forthcoming Soccer World Cup, followed by
the Olympics and crumbling infrastructure. The Confederation Cup Soccer match
in the Eastern City of Forteleza was affected if not disrupted with incidents on the
road to the stadium, prior to the match. More Confederation Cup matches are now due
to be played.
The political genie has escaped the bottle, and regaining the
status quo is now impossible.