Brazil demonstrators call for president’s impeachment amid economic slump

Hundreds of thousands of people have taken to the streets in Brazil to call for the impeachment of President Dilma Rousseff amid a growing corruption scandal.

There have also been demonstrations in recent months showing support for the embattled leader, with many claiming calls for her impeachment amount to a coup attempt.

Analysts say Sunday’s protests will serve as a barometer for the overall protest movement in Brazil.

The Brasilian government stated that it observed the protests with “respect”, regarding them as a symbol of “democratic normality”.

They are upset over an eroding economy and a corruption scandal that has implicated politicians in Rousseff’s Workers Party.

The past week has actually provided some respite for the government. She said that such actions are a part of democracy, but the president condemned intolerance and violence.

Cunha told Bloomberg News he hasn’t yet been notified of the meeting, but he’s willing to “dialogue with anyone”.

Among the groups who called for the demonstrations were the alliance Movimento Brasil Livre and representatives of the centre-right opposition.

“I’m neither pro-government, nor opposition”, Senate chief Renan Calheiros wrote in Folha de S. Paulo newspaper on Tuesday. Influential and socially conservative, he’s the one trying to begin impeachment proceedings against the president.

“The protesters here behind me are calling for Rousseff to leave, there are some banners in English also calling on the worldwide community not to recognise her as the president of Brazil”.

Brazils first woman president has seen her approval rating plummet to single digits since winning a second term in last Octobers election. But the rapprochement with Congress will be tested as the economy heads toward its longest recession since 1931 and a corruption probe deepens.

In Rio, there was a carnival-like mood, with samba music blasting, some protesters carrying surfboards, others riding skateboards, and many wearing bikinis or bathing suits.

Support for the protest movement has been fueled by rising unemployment, inflation and the government’s austerity measures. Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Rousseff’s predecessor, is now under investigation for alleged involvement in “influence peddling.”

Many have accused Rousseff of knowing about system of bribes that stretches back to when she was chairwomen of the company between 2003 and 2010.

Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff. “Enough corruption! Enough thieving already!” another protester said.

The outcomes Rousseff’s fiercest critics hope for – impeachment or resignation – appear distant, if not impossible. To date, investigators have not uncovered evidence connecting Rousseff to the scheme.

Ms Rousseff in the past two weeks has attempted to weave a coalition that may allow her to hang onto power.

She’s unpopular, with her ratings at just 8%, but what has she done that is illegal?

“There is no consensus in the parties or in the government”, Chequer says.