MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency
Rousseff admits protestors grievances, praises democracy and meets Lula da Silva
As the threat of massive protests in Brazil’s major cities continues, President Dilma Rousseff early Tuesday tried to defuse the situation by acknowledging the need for better public services, more responsive governance and at the same time praising Brazilians commitment to a strong democracy. Read full article
Comments
Disclaimer & comment rulesYes, there is corruption - lots of it, everywhere - but the realities of bringing a sub-continent (Brasil) out of a pre-industrial condition and raising it up to first world standards are immense.
Jun 19th, 2013 - 09:51 am - Link - Report abuse 0Even if Brasil had the vast capital inflow of China, there would STILL be the social difficulties of delayed feedback. With the best governance and the best will in the world, a generation or two would still suffer the traumas of development.
Sao Paulo's traffic and transport system are a microcosm of what happens with spasmic urbanisation, where, for the incoming millions seeking riches, the streets are 'paved with gold'.
There will be more protest, but I hope and 'pray' that the best of Brasil - the behavioural character of its people - will keep the bullet and the bomb out of honest protest.
Democracy, eh? Is that the same sort of “democracy” that backs argie imperialist colonialism against the democratically-expressed wishes of the Falkland Islanders?
Jun 19th, 2013 - 02:48 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Less talk from Brazilian politicians and more action required for the good of the long term (some with hard consequences)
Jun 19th, 2013 - 03:13 pm - Link - Report abuse 0I think that these demostrations will strengthen Dilma's positions.
Jun 19th, 2013 - 03:21 pm - Link - Report abuse 0“Brazil woke up stronger today” Rousseff said in a televised speech in Brasilia. “The size of yesterday's demonstrations shows the energy of our democracy, the strength of the voice of the streets and the civility of our population.”
Jun 19th, 2013 - 07:25 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Shades of TMBOA as far as I am concerned.
Just HOW does setting fire to buses (that will help the bus costs no end) setting fire to news cars there to report the 'peoples stand' and all the other problems that were seen show 'democracy'?
Precursor to civil war perhaps if Dilma doesn't get the economy in hand and make further strides at tackling corruption to reduce the “rich get richer” feeling that helped spur this 'sign of democracy'.
She is a child with crap in her pants running to papai Lula - AND their marketeer! I just forgot his name, but he went to the meeting, too.
Jun 20th, 2013 - 04:24 am - Link - Report abuse 0That is Dilma and PT. They turn it into propaganda for elections. In a democracy, any politician in its right mind would meet the MINISTERS.
“I think that these demostrations will strengthen Dilma's positions.”
Jun 20th, 2013 - 04:24 am - Link - Report abuse 0It will only if she listen to the people what they demand..include investing more money (wich they have) in Education (schools, better pay for teachers), hospitals and other infrastructure that benefits the people and as usual, knock it out with the corruption, but again, the people are also responsible for that, they should stop voting for the same clowns that steals from them..
Yes, it could strengthen her position.
Jun 20th, 2013 - 10:45 am - Link - Report abuse 0And I agree with Fido's comments.
The voting into power of a *real* illiterate and innumerate clown shows the attitude of the people to the 'professional' politicians. Until there is some way of identifying the uncorrupt (and uncorruptable) prospective politicians. the candidates will be ALL identified alike as 'seekers of the gravy-train'.
It should be noted here that Brasil is in the spotlight across the whole world, not only 'factual' reporting but also in-depth analysis of the reasons and underlying issues in Brasilian society.
The British, in particular, are well aware that there is more to this than TV images of dark nights, young men, fire, uniforms, running and gas clouds. They know that the issues that street protest exposes are different from Tottenham, the Watts riots, etc, etc.
Yes, if Dilma GRASPS the mood of the people NOW she can do things she has dearly loved to do ... to bring a new ethic to the governance and administration of this huge country.
You might not love her, but support her if she attempts to make things better by sensible fundimental reform.
First of all, the stupid military club did not let institutions. They basically gave the country to political baron Jose Sarney , who came with this silly constitution. Brazil has zero federalism, politicians and civil servants are a different caste in Brazilian society and that is where corruption is more pervasive. Actually, the very voting process is corrupt. Screw voting machines.
Jun 20th, 2013 - 01:01 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Lot of truth, Math.
Jun 20th, 2013 - 04:48 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Lot of truth.
Especially about Sarney.
Commenting for this story is now closed.
If you have a Facebook account, become a fan and comment on our Facebook Page!