Brazil president says striking truckers could be removed

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Associated Press


Peter Prengaman, Associated Press
Updated 6:36 pm, Friday, May 25, 2018

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — A nationwide strike by thousands of truckers brought much of Latin America's largest nation to a halt on Friday, prompting Brazilian President Michel Temer to authorize the military to use force in removing drivers and their parked vehicles from highways and other roads.

Truckers angry over rising diesel prices began the strike on Monday and continued it Friday despite an announced deal between the government and transportation unions late Thursday.

Temer, a lame duck leader who is deeply unpopular, said in a national address Friday that a "radical faction" of holdout truckers was keeping the country from getting back to business. He said the armed forces were being activated, though he did not provide specifics.

"We will not allow hospitals to go without supplies to save lives," Temer said. "We will not allow children to be impacted by the closing of schools."

Read more: https://www.chron.com/news/world/article/Brazil-schools-close-as-truckers-strike-enters-12943429.php

[sandensea]

1. Temer thinks Wall Street will love him if he just apes Reagan enough.