Graft rage protest to centre on Brasilia

Leftists planned to demonstrate against austerity reforms in Brasilia yesterday in protests gaining extra fuel from rage over a corruption scandal swirling around President Michel Temer.

There have been only modest — if angry — protests since Temer’s presidency was thrown into doubt last week by allegations that he attempted to pay hush money to a politician jailed for corruption.

With Temer fighting to hold on to his office, the protesters will get another chance to show what opinion polls say is overwhelming popular discontent.

The immediate target of the demonstrations organised by leftist groups is Temer’s attempt to push through controversial economic reforms.

The changes — opposed by many Brazilians but supported by economists and the markets — aim to put the Latin American country’s floundering economy back on track after two years of recession.

However, the central reform — raising the retirement age to shrink the country’s unaffordable pension system — is bitterly opposed.

Previous demonstrations have sparked violent clashes with riot police.