Truckers’ strike only over after another tax abolished, leader says

In a statement made Thursday (May 24), Fonseca Lopes, president of the Brazilian Truck Drivers’ Association, said that the protests staged by truck drivers on roads across the country will only be brought to an end after President Michel Temer confirms the lower house decision to abolish another tax on diesel.

The government had already agreed with Congress to eliminate one of the taxes—a move now awaiting a presidential decree to become effective.

The other tax, pending approval from Congress, is yet to be approved by the Senate before being okayed by the president.

Fonseca said that the roadblocks are gathering momentum as support is now coming from those not directly linked to truckers. Strike leaders have met with government officials again this afternoon.