Brazil: CNTE shows solidarity with protests but rejects violence | WPN World People News

Since June 12, Brazil has seen numerous protests, mostly organised by young people, which began after the announcement of an increase in the price of public transportation in cities across the country. However, the scope of the demonstrations shows that public transportation is just one of the protesters’ concerns.

The protesters, with no traditional leadership - either from individuals or organisations - have expressed discontent with government spending to build stadiums for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, as well as the historically insufficient public investment in education and health.

CNTE support

EI’s affiliate, Confederação Nacional dos Trabalhadores em Educação (CNTE), sympathises with the legitimate and urgent agenda presented by the majority of members of these protest movements.

However, CNTE is against vandalism, violence, looting, and damage to public and historical property. In this, it is in agreement with most of the protesters who are trying to prevent these actions during the demonstrations.

CNTE also acknowledges much of the popular discontent – which consists of continuous claims of the working class, in particular teachers - but believes that democracy must be preserved by Brazilian society. This must be achieved without risking the setbacks that have marked the history of Brazil and the Latin American continent.

Source: Education International