Free Republic

Brazil’s conservative president Michel Temer has ordered the army and federal police to clear highways blockaded by striking truck drivers after a protest over soaring fuel prices entered its fifth day. The blockades have paralysed much of the country’s economy and prompted São Paulo, the biggest city in South America, to declare a state of emergency over fuel shortages. “I have actioned the federal security forces to unblock highways and I am asking governors to do the same,” Temer said in a televised address on Friday. “We will not let the population do without its primary needs.” The protests began...

A São Paulo-based body that represents almost 60% of Brazil's aerospace and defence companies has issued a scathing attack on the government's open support for the Dassault Rafale in its 36-aircraft F-X2 fighter contest. In a public letter, the board of the CIESP organisation says it "is concerned with the conclusion of this [selection] process in which the meticulous, professional and serious work developed by the air force may be cast aside". The service's recommendations should "be abided and respected by the federal government", it adds. The statement comes after local media reports early this month claimed that Brazilian president...

At least 30 people, including 19 policemen, have been killed in a spate of attacks in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Armed criminals targeted officers in 55 attacks in the early hours of Saturday. Authorities blamed the First Command of the Capital (PCC) faction. The attacks may be in response to a transfer of PCC inmates, analysts say.The attacks were followed by jail revolts, with 100 hostages being taken. The state governor insisted Sao Paulo would not bow to organised crime.