Protesters demonstrate against Rio government's measures to cut costs

Thousands of civil servants are protesting this Wednesday (Nov. 16) in front of the building of Rio de Janeiro State Legislative Assembly (ALERJ) in the center of the city, against the state government's cuts package, which will begin to be voted this afternoon. Among the measures, there are the reduction of up to 30% of civil servants' wages, the cutting of 9,000 benefits that include social housing rents, popular restaurant programs, and the extinction of some public bodies.

When announcing the measures, on November 4, Governor Luiz Fernando Pezão said that they are essential to avoid the dismissal of civil servants and to restore fiscal balance. If they are not implemented, they forecast a deficit of R$52 billion until December 2018 at the state government.

Rebellious, civil servants invaded ALERJ building. To prevent another invasion this Wednesday, they have restricted the access of protesters who reacted showing a banner that read: "prison for political enemies of the people."

Dozens of National Police officers were urgently summoned to ensure security. Last week, the assembly suffered depredation in a protest.

Governor defends measures

Governor Luiz Fernando Pezão said that the violence will not bring benefit for the debate on the state's financial crisis and asked protesters to bring ideas and non-violent acts to ALERJ.

"May these people who are going there with violence come up with ideas for the parliament in order to solve the crisis, which is not only in Rio de Janeiro, it is a crisis in Brazil," said the governor.

Pezão defended the adjustment measures and said they are working to give a forecast for the state's payroll for the next two years, which, according to him, have not been guaranteed yet. According to the governor, they only have money to pay ten months of the wages for the active and inactive civil servants for the next two years.

Translated by Amarílis Anchieta