Brazil Struggles to Push Reforms Forward

Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff promised to overhaul the country’s public services and political system in response to grievances voiced by demonstrations that saw over a million people on the streets last month. Although the government was swift to address the issues raised, few tangible results have yet been seen.

While a flurry of proposals and new laws have been brought, it remains to be seen if Congress is willing or able to enact major changes to address the country’s call to task.

Some measures have been successfully passed: a hike in bus fares sparked the protests was revoked, toughening anti-corruption laws and promising vast new investments for public services bought the government extra time on other proposals.

Many of the reforms and new bills that were initially triumphantly rushed into government are now stuck in the treacle of government debate, with Brazil’s sixteen-party coalition seemingly split on how to proceed.