Police report 48 demonstrations staged by truckers in 11 states

The Federal Highway Police (PRF) identified 48 demonstrations carried out by truck drivers in 11 states. The data come from a survey released today (Nov. 9). Five rallies caused roads to be entirely blocked. In 23 protests the clog was partial, and in 20 no obstruction was detected.

Demonstrators, called on social networking sites by the National Transport Commando, criticize Dilma Rousseff's government and call for her removal. According to the protesters, demonstrations are taking place in 12 of Brazil's 27 states.

Fábio Roque, one of the movement leaders in Rio Grande do Sul, said the group has no connection with trade unions or federations. “We're not of any party nor are we politically biased. We're fighting to save the country, and that can only be achieved after [President Rousseff] is removed from office—be it by her own resignation or through her impeachment,” he told Agência Brasil.

The state with the largest number of rallies is Rio Grande do Sul, with 14 protests and no blockages.

In Rio de Janeiro, truckers obstructed highway BR-116, known as Rodovia Presidente Dutra, which links the states of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, the highway police announced. Protesters took turns in freeing the lanes for the traffic.

Shortly before midday, a group of truck drivers blocked a section of BR-040 near Brasília. They set tires on fire and prevented other truck drivers from ing through. After firefighters and the highway police arrived, the fire was extinguished and the road unblocked.

In São Paulo, the truck drivers occupied three lanes of the Marginal Tietê freeway in the afternoon. The Traffic Engineering Company (CET) reported that the protest slowed down traffic throughout a 15-km section of the road.

Translated by Fabrício Ferreira