Impeachment mobilizes pro- and anti-Rousseff demonstrators in São Paulo
Pro-government activists in the Homeless Workers' Movement (MTST) set up camp with 18 tents in Largo da Batata, a square in the west area of São Paulo
The decisions on the impeachment proceedings against President Dilma Rousseff at the Chamber of Deputies have been prompting mobilizations of Rousseff ers and people wanting impeachment. Pro-government activists in the Homeless Workers' Movement (MTST) set up camp with 18 tents in Largo da Batata, a square in the west area of São Paulo, and are planning to remain there until Sunday (Apr. 17), when the floor vote on Rousseff's impeachment case is expected to take place at the lower house to decide if the case will proceed to the Senate for trial. Other social movements should them for a demonstration a rally in Vale do Anhangabaú, in the city center.
“We thought we could channel this anti-coup [anti-impeachment] sentiment into a longer mobilization until we stop the coup on Sunday,” said Josué Medeiros, of the MSTS.
Protesters calling for Rousseff's impeachment have been camped in front of the building of the State Federation of Industries of São Paulo (FIESP) on Paulista Avenue for nearly a month.
According to Medeiros, protesters and artists occupying Largo da Batata democracy above all. “This is not a defense of government, but of democracy itself. Should an impeachment case like this—a coup d'état—go ahead, we are sure that the situation for movements or those who want to bring about change in Brazil will get worse, with severer repression and restraints to on our rights and freedom,” he said.
Another movement, called “Occupy Democracy”, took a more cultural approach, and erected a stage in Largo da Batata for live performances until Sunday.
“We are opposed to the coup and we're going for radical democracy after we have managed to stave off the coup. We're not satisfied with the kind of democracy we have today. We want more—more freedom, more rights, and better conditions to pursue our goals and demands,” Medeiros said.
Pro-impeachment
Protesters calling for Rousseff's impeachment have been camped in front of the building of the State Federation of Industries of São Paulo (FIESP) on Paulista Avenue for nearly a month. On Monday afternoon (17), Agência Brasil found 16 tents and a marquee under which they keep a refrigerator and chairs for rest. The campers have been there since March 16, and it is not known when they are going to leave. An average 30 people sleep in the occupation every night according to the demonstrators.
At points, they will whistle or hold up impeachment banners and seek from drivers ing by Avenida Paulista. Some drivers honk back in approval.
Rodrigo Ikezili, a dispatch rider, has been camped there for three weeks. He says he is not d with any movements: “There are several groups here, but we all have a common cause. Some intervention, others are the 'impeachmentists', and others advocate a full political overhaul. But for me, in my beliefs, the country needs a political reform,” he said.
Ikezili said the protesters are getting by on donations. He denies FIESP is involved with the movement at all. “All they are helping with is a restroom and a power outlet. But it is the people who's giving us food. It's all donations,” he said.
On Sunday, the campers will other pro-impeachment protesters in a demonstration on Avenida Paulista.
Translated by Mayra Borges
Fonte: Impeachment mobilizes pro- and anti-Rousseff demonstrators in São Paulo
