Brazil: Student union calls for month of protest August 7 /update 2

Event

The National Students Union (UNE) announced in Brasília on Monday, August 7, that the organization will lead a “month of resistance” against the allegedly corrupt Temer administration throughout August. The UNE, like other civic groups, is calling for early elections to replace President Michel Temer. Additionally, the organization will participate in the “Occupy Brazil” movement, a nationwide day of protest to be held on Thursday, August 17. Protests and associated violence are possible throughout Brazil during the entirety of August, particularly on August 17. An increased security presence is likely as well as localized transportation disruptions.

Context

President Temer survived a vote by the lower house of congress on August 2. Had it been successful, the vote would have referred Temer to the Supreme Court over bribery allegations. However, Brazil's top prosecutor stated prior to the vote that he would file at least two more related charges, including cases of alleged racketeering and obstruction of justice, regardless of the outcome.

Temer was officially charged with corruption by the Prosecutor General on June 26. The corruption allegations against Temer and his administration have increased popular discontent and deepened an already acute political crisis. A recorded conversation of President Temer purportedly showing him discussing the payment of hush money to a jailed politician led to the opening of a formal probe by the Supreme Court on May 19. The scandal has sparked various protests and prompted eight impeachment filings. Temer has reiterated that he will not step down.

On a related note, Brazil has seen a series of protests in response to conservative reforms proposed by President Temer in recent months. Numerous opposition groups, labor unions, and civil society organizations consider former President Dilma Rousseff's ouster and Temer's arrival in office to be illegitimate.

Advice

Individuals in Brasília and major cities across the country are advised to avoid all demonstrations due to the potential for violence and to monitor the situation. Anticipate transportation disruptions in the event protests occur.