Union leader: 70–80% of truckers now demobilized

The head of the Brazilian Association of Truck Drivers, José da Fonseca Lopes, said 70%–80% of the truckers protesting throughout the country have “dismantled their camp” where roads had been obstructed. The stoppages are expected to end completely by Tuesday (May 29). The demonstrations have entered their eighth day.

Lopes said that the rallies are not related to the demands made by truckers, but to those who want “to bring [president Michel] Temer down.”

“Only in São Paulo are there points [where demonstrations are still being held], but the police will clear everything up. In Brasília, for instance, fuel stocks in 70% of the gas stations have been restored to normal,” said the leader. “Now that we’ve had our demands met, it’s time to demobilize,” he added.

The leader also mentioned the problems that have been caused by “politically extreme stances,” which range from the defense of a military intervention to the Free Lula movement (asking for the release of the former president), including calls for having President Temer stripped from office. “We respect the ones backing these ideas, but let them stage their rallies outside of our movement.”