Three quarter of Brazilians back protests: Poll

A new poll has shown that three quarter of Brazilians back the nationwide rallies against poor public services and corruption, as protest organizers say they will continue their anti-government demonstrations.

The poll, conducted by Epoca magazine and published on Saturday, also revealed that 77 percent of the 1,008 Brazilians questioned said the high cost of using public transport was the key reason for their dissatisfaction.

The demonstrations which began in protest at transport fare rises have now grown into nationwide rallies over a series of issues ranging from government corruption, and poor public services to the high cost of hosting next year’s World Cup.

When questioned about hosting the World Cup, 40 percent said they “totally” backed the event, while another 27 percent are generally in favor and 29 percent are against it.

The Sao Paulo Movement (MPL) announced in social media websites on the same day that the protests will continue until concrete steps are taken to reform the political system.

Meanwhile, 250,000 people participated in protests across Brazil on Saturday, including in the southeastern city of Belo Belo Horizonte, where police used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowds.

The protests came despite President Dilma Roussef’s latest promises a day earlier to improve public services and fight corruption.

One of the promises is to invest oil revenues in education and invite foreign doctors to areas lacking proper health system.

The demonstrations erupted on June 11 and dozens of rallies have been held nationwide ever since to protest against the high cost of public transport and the $26-billion of public money being spent on the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

The protesters have also accused the government of neglecting to address issues of health, education, and transport.