Temer allows security forces to unblock roads

The Brazilian government authorized the use of federal security forces where protesting truckers refrain from freeing the roads blocked as part of their countrywide rallies.

The announcement was made a moment ago by President Michel Temer at the Planalto presidential palace. The decision was made after a meeting with cabinet members.

The decision was made after a meeting with cabinet members – Antonio Cruz / Agência Brasil

“I’d like to unveil an immediate security plan to mobilize federal security forces to unblock the roads, and I’m requesting state governors to follow suit. We will not allow the population to be deprived of basic need items, hospitals to be deprived of supplies to save lives, and children to be deprived of school. Those blocking the road in radical fashion will be held accountable for it. As always, the government has the courage to negotiate; now it will have the courage to resort to its authority in defense of the Brazilian people,” the president stated.

Yesterday, Temer’s ministers announced a deal which included the suspension of the protests carried out by the truckers for 15 days. However, not all of the truck drivers’ associations accepted the proposal.

A deal was unveiled by the government yesterday, but protests continue - Tânia Rêgo/Agência Brasil