Brazil government says demonstrations show vigor of democracy

Brazil's government acknowledged the demonstrations that took place this Sunday (Dec. 4) in several Brazilian cities in support for anti-corruption efforts and particularly the Operation Car Wash corruption investigation.

Through a press statement, President Michel Temer's government said the demonstrations have again attested to “the strength and vigor of our democracy” and pointed out the need for the State to meet the demands of the population.

Protests were staged in about 200 municipalities on Sunday morning and afternoon. Organizers urged people on social media to take to the streets, and joined the street protest in support for a set of 10 proposals to stop corruption and for Operation Car Wash, calling for the resignation of the President of the Senate, Renan Calheiros, and for an end to politicians' special jurisdiction privileges—in Brazil, most ranks of politicians holding office can only be tried by the Supreme Court.

A citizens' initiative bill to amend the Constitution with anti-corruption provisions was modified by the Chamber of Deputies in a vote in the early hours of November 30. The modifications, experts argue, have completely distorted the original proposal. The President of the Senate, Renan Calheiros, tried to push the proposal through an urgent, overnight vote in the Senate, but his motion was voted down. The episode added to the grievances of Sunday's protesters.

One of the changes made to the anti-corruption proposals was an abuse of authority provision against judges and prosecutors, prompting concerns of retaliation against Operation Car Wash judges and prosecutors as they investigate politicians, and posters and slogans in support for Sérgio Moro, the lower court judge in charge of the Car Wash case.

Translated by Mayra Borges