Dilma Rousseff proposed a referendum on political reform

The Brazilian president proposed last Monday June 24, for a plebiscite to arrange a delayed political reform, which is one of the many demands of the protests that spread across the country.

“I want to propose a debate on the convocation of a popular referendum to authorize the operation of a specific constitutional process for political reform that the country needs,” Rousseff said in a meeting with mayors and governors.

In the proposed plebiscite, Rousseff emphasized the fight against corruption (another demand from protesters), and argued that crimes involving public money are going to be punished “with severe penalties much more severe” than those that exist today.

About four thousand people participated on a protest last Sunday June 23, at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, against a constitution amendment studied by the Brazilian Congress to reduce the investigative powers of the Public Ministry which, according to the protesters, might encourage impunity.

• On transport, she proposed mayors and governors to study alternatives to further reduce taxes on that sector, and announced an upcoming elimination of federal tax on diesel, used by buses, and electricity, used by railway buses and trains.
• On public health, she demanded a ”boost” on the already-planned investments and reiterated her intentions of recruiting foreign doctors to strengthen focus on regions that do not have the necessary professionals.
• On education, she insisted that all the oil royalties treasured in the Atlantic’s deep waters, to be destined for that sector, which depends on the approval of Congress.