Rio police fire tear-gas during Brazil govt spending cap protestOctober 18, 2016 - 09:54 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Police fired tear gas in downtown Rio de Janeiro on Monday, October 20 when protesters demonstrating against a proposed government spending cap approached the headquarters of state oil company Petrobras, the GloboNews channel said, according to Reuters. The police action marks the first time a new wave of Brazilian street protests, this time against the signature economic policy of the months-old government of President Michel Temer, have turned violent. The proposed constitutional limit on federal government spending would restrict budget increases to the inflation rate for 20 years. The measure is aimed at closing a budget deficit that exceeded 10 percent of gross domestic product last year and reviving confidence in the midst of a two-year recession that has seen Brazil lose 12 million jobs. Protesters say the measure will hurt health, education and other social spending. The protests also come as Temer's union-movement opponents, plan a major strike against Petroleo Brasileiro SA, as Petrobras is formally known, over plans to sell assets and cut debt at the financially troubled oil company. Police moved to disperse the demonstrators shortly before 8 p.m. (2200 GMT) after they veered off an approved route, left the main protest that was winding down Rio's main downtown avenue and allegedly provoked police, GloboNews said. The press office of the Rio de Janeiro-state police declined to give an estimate of the crowd size or confirm if there were any arrests or injuries. Protest organizers said about 5,000 people participated. The conflict occurred on a side street where the headquarters of Petroleo Brasileiro SA and state-owned development bank BNDES [BNDES.UL] are located, the news agency said. Small standoffs between police and protesters continued in adjacent streets and on a major public square for at least an hour. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | U.S. welcomes Armenia, Azerbaijan’s border delimitation announcement Blinken said it is an important step towards concluding a durable and dignified peace agreement. Residents Of border villages protest as Armenia, Azerbaijan agree on delimitation Residents of several Armenian communities in the northeastern Tavush province began protests late on Friday. Up to 10% cashback from GetTransfer with IDBank cards IDBank clients who make their booking on GetTransfer will receive an exclusive cashback. Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide. |