RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (Reuters) — Clashes broke out in Rio de Janeiro on Friday (April 28) as Brazilian unions led the nation’s first general strike in over two decades to protest President Michel Temer’s austerity measures, hitting public transport and closing schools, factories, banks and other businesses in every state.
Even so, analysts and government officials said the strike would have little impact on Temer’s efforts to push economic reforms through Congress, which are widely expected to be approved given the president’s continued support among legislators.
Police clashed with demonstrators in several cities, firing tear gas in efforts to clear roadways blocked by burning barricades. Protesters also obstructed the entrances of airports and metro stations, with some groups smashing shop windows and targeting banks.
Temer’s efforts to pass pension and labor reforms have deeply angered many Brazilians. Temer has proposed a minimum age for retirement, which would compel many employees to work longer to receive a pension and reduce payouts in a country were many workers retire with full benefits in their 50s.
Brazil’s last general strike took place in 1996, in protests over privatizations and labor reforms under former President Fernando Henrique Cardoso.