Thousands protest in Brazil

(Vatican Radio) More than half a million people have taken to the streets in Brazil to protest about corruption, an imminent economic slump and many are calling for either the impeachment or the resignation of President Dilma Rousseff.

Listen to James Blears repo rt.

 

The biggest rallies were in the Capitol Brasilia,  Sao Paulo and spilling out on to the famous Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janiero. Many wore the national soccer team's resplendent yellow jersey. But although there was an almost carnaval atmosphere in pockets, the overall level of disconent in only the first year of President Dilma Roussseff's second term, is gathering pace.

Polls show that only eight percent of those questioned think she's doing a good job.  That could decrease even futher, when she introduces an expected and dreaded austerity program.

The economy is teetering on recession with inflation projected at almost ten percent by year end.  Another bone of contention, is the ongoing and widening corrupion probe into Petrobras- the national  petroleum company that Dilma Rousseff used to lead.  She's been cleared of any wrong doing. But 30 parlimentarians are still under investigation.  

These of the third set of major demonstrations... and it's likely they won't be the last.  Government sources are trying to brush them off, saying it's normal in a democracy.  But each wave which is hitting the beach,  is eroding more and more, with an ebbing tide.