This general strike is scheduled for Friday, April 28th, with the participation of the most representative social movements of Brazil, with a platform of demands that include the democratization of the country through direct elections and the rejection against the social security reform promoted by Michel Temer´s administration that ousted president Dilma Rousseff less than a year ago.

It is estimated that it will be the largest strike in the history of Brazil, with the complete disruption of factories, public services and schools. There are calls in 26 Brazilian states, and the Catholic Church will join. In fact, Pope Francis has recently rejected an invitation by Temer to visit the country, whose catholic population is the largest of the continent.

Hunger Map

“We consider this government is a neo-fascist one and together with popular movements, workers and unions throughout Brazil we will paralyze the country demanding democracy and direct elections for a new administration now”. Tatiana Paulino, member of the Movement of People Affected by Dams

"In the countryside we are being attacked by the government through measures that facilitate the selling of lands to foreign people, the increase of agrotoxic packages and the giving away of oil resources of the pre-salt layer aiming to privatize the country in its entirety. We are being looted".

And Tatiana Paulino added that Brazil is advancing towards returning to the hunger map. Rights cuts, wages reduction, decreasing social role of the State, are among the actions taken by the illegitimate administration led by Temer and its coalition of parties.

She added that in this situation, Brazil is not able to ensure the food security of its population, with actions in favor of agribusiness and against peasant organizations.

About the political solution for the country, the member of the MAB stated that Vía Campesina Brazil is demanding immediate direct elections and is describing Temer´s administration as a neo-fascist government, due to the increasing number of attacks against peasant organizations.

The Landless Rural Workers Movement has denounced the murder of nine peasants of this organization in Colzinha city, Mato Grosso state.

On April 23rd, MST leader Silvio Numes was also murdered in Periquito municipality, Minas Gerais.

Also, the National Campaign against Agrotoxics has announced that the Agriculture and Supply Ministry (MAPA), together with representatives of agrotoxic industries, have made a legal proposal to facilitate the use of these products in the Brazilian countryside, with a strong impact on the rural population and consumers.

"We are demanding direct elections now. We can´t allow Temer to continue in office in an illegitimate way, with a 70 per cent rejection rate", said Tatiana in the interview with Real World Radio.