Brazil: Anti-social security reform protests nationwide Feb. 19

Event

"National Day of Struggle" protests are set to take place on Monday, February 19, in cities across Brazil, including the capital Brasília, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo. The demonstrations are in protest of the government's proposed reforms to the Brazilian social security system. A congressional vote on the proposed measures is also set to take place on Monday.

Context

The unpopular reforms to the social security system center around raising the minimum retirement age and required pension contributions. The government maintains that these austerity measures are necessary to reign in public spending. However, activists have pointed to recently uncovered corruption scandals surrounding President Michel Temer's government as proof of misuse of public funds and are protesting the necessity of the proposed benefits and welfare cuts.

Advice

Individuals in Brazil are advised to avoid all demonstrations as a precaution and to keep abreast of the situation.