Brazil: Anti-Uber taxi protests possible

Event

The lower house of the Brazilian congress approved a bill on Wednesday, February 28, regarding the Uber transportation company. A number of amendments favorable to Uber were made to the legislation, such as removing a requirement that Uber cars have special public transportation license plates (a requirement for taxis) or that Uber drivers own their own cars. The bill has already been approved by the upper house of congress and will become law unless vetoed by President Michel Temer.

Protests by taxi drivers to denounce the bill are possible in Brazilian cities the coming days and weeks, particularly if/once Temer signs the bill into law. Such protests could result in traffic disruptions and/or outbreaks of violence.

Advice

Individuals in Brazil are advised to avoid all protests as a precaution.