Brazilians protest government’s decision to limit public spending

World Today

The lower house of Brazil’s National Congress approved a constitutional amendment to limit public spending for up to 20 years.

The proposal has sparked massive protests across the country.

For more, CCTV America’s Lucrecia Franco reports in Rio.
Follow Lucrecia C. Franco on Twitter @LucreciaFranco

Tuesday night, the amendment, a proposal that will cap government spending for 20 years, passed in the lower house.

In a second round and final vote, Brazil’s Chamber of Deputies approved the amendment by an overwhelming majority of 359 votes to 116. Now it goes to the Senate for approval.

It’s considered a victory for Brazilian President Michel Temer, who replaced Dilma Rousseff in August after her impeachment.

The measure aims to revitalize Brazil’s sinking economy. But it couldn’t be more unpopular.

Demonstrators were furious about the new constitutional amendment, known as PEC 241.

While demonstrations against the spending cap are taking place in several cities across Brazil some analysts said the measure is crucial to drag the country out of recession.