After a week-long, reportedly politically ambiguous protest, Brazil’s truckers have halted their strike against President Temer’s economic policy after skyrocketing diesel prices from Petrobrás.
After Petrobrás, the main supplier of diesel in Brazil, was ordered to increase prices under President Temer’s administration, the truckers who control the transport of food and resources took a stand: a nationwide strike that resulted in almost $1 billion in revenue and the resignation of the CEO of Petrobrás. The strike ended once Temer finally agreed on a number of fuel subsidies granted by Brazil’s government after three attempts to negotiate a deal with the striking truckers.
“It is a dangerous moment. This is related to the economic crisis, the political crisis, the corruption scandals,” according to a leftist commentator, Laura Carvalho.
Stores were left empty while farmers struggled to get their crop to the shelves. Left commentators speculated this was a call for military intervention while the right worried this strike against Temer would lead to a rebellion against the government.
Though diesel technology is continually improving, the massive spike in the cost of diesel in Brazil because of the economic policies imposed by Temer called for a military intervention against the alleged corruption in the Brazilian government. While a poll revealed 87% of Brazilians supported the message behind the movement — one that called for a fairer government and affordable fuel prices — many did not approve of the subsidies associated with raising taxes.
After Petrobrás CEO, Pedro Parente resigned, shares in the company bombed. While financial markets grieve, labor unions praised the change.
Centrist group, Agora!, co-founder Ilona Szabó claims there is no simple solution to problems with this level of complexity.
“Brazilians are crying for change but it’s not yet clear that they are prepared to put the public interest in front of private gain. Instead of rolling up their sleeves and building a common project they are clamouring for a saviour, a strongman, who can deliver the country from ruin,” Szabó said.
Currently, the Landless Workers Movement (MST) is attempting to improve relationships at the ground level by offering food and other resources at road blocks. Additionally, the Petrobrás Workers Union is set to strike the first week of June to change the view that diesel costs were because of high taxes.
Little is known regarding the future of Brazil, but the nation was shocked to witness the power the trucker strike had against the government.