Thousands call for impeachment of Brazil’s President Rousseff

World Today

Several cities across Brazil have erupted in protests and hundreds of thousands took to to the streets Sunday against the government. CCTV America’s Paulo Cabral reports from Sao Paulo.

The demonstration was likely one of the biggest since protests began last year against Brazil’s President Dilma Rousseff.

Protesters say the level of government corruption has reached unbearable levels. Rousseff’s term lasts until 2018, but many want her out now.

The non-stop flow of corruption charges against the Worker’s Party government have provoked more protests by Brazilians demanding Rousseff’s impeachment. However, the demands are also driven by partisan politics and reflect the deepening divide between the country’s left and right.

Most of Brazil’s leftist parties, Rousseff’s political base, are also highly critical of her. They accuse her of betraying their principles, but they oppose impeachment.

The protesters are mostly from Brazil’s middle and upper classes describe themselves as non-political, or even right wingers. Some groups are even demanding military intervention to topple a government they call communist.