Brazilians take to streets demanding Pres. Rousseff’s ouster

Thousands of protesters in Brazil have poured onto the streets of major cities in the country, demanding the ouster of President Dilma Rousseff amid political and economic crises.

According to the reports, the nationwide demonstrations on Sunday were the latest in a wave of anti-government rallies that have recently gained momentum as a massive corruption scandal has spread into Rousseff’s inner circle.

Thousands of people were already gathering in the cities of Rio and Brasilia, and organizers said people in more than 400 cities in all would be involved in the protest action.

The largest demonstration is expected to be held in Sao Paulo, the country’s financial capital and main opposition stronghold. Authorities said they were bracing for a million protesters there.

Rousseff, meanwhile, has urged demonstrators to refrain from violence and remain peaceful in their protests.

“I am appealing for there not to be violence. I think all people have a right to be on the streets. However, no one has a right to be violent,” Rousseff said late Saturday.

Meanwhile, polls show that Rousseff’s popularity in the country has diminished due to the alleged involvement of people close to her in the corruption scandal centering on state oil company Petrobras and because of allegations of that her mismanagement of the economy is responsible for the current recession.

SS