08 May 2019 | 11:14 PM UTC
Brazil: Teachers and students plan strike on May 15
Student, teacher, and professor groups call for nationwide strike beginning May 15 to protest education budget cuts; associated demonstrations and disruptions possible
Event
Students, teachers, and professors are expected to begin a nationwide strike on Wednesday, May 15, to protest large cuts to the education budget. Associated demonstrations are likely before and during the strike, particularly in major urban areas. Students already held a related demonstration in Rio de Janeiro on Monday, May 6. Localized transportation disruptions and a heightened security presence are possible near any protests; clashes between demonstrators and security forces cannot be ruled out.
Context
The Jair Bolsonaro government has announced a 30 percent cut to the education budget. Critics say the move is politically motivated.
Advice
Individuals in Brazil are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all public demonstrations as a precaution, anticipate localized disruption and a heightened security presence in the event of any demonstrations, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.
