Brazil is in crisis. And once again, the poorest will bear the burden | Mariana Prandini Assis

President Michel Temer is aiming to enshrine 20 years of austerity in the constitution. It amounts to a coup against the poor - and against democracy itself

Poor Brazilians have long counted on a thin welfare state for basic human rights, such as healthcare, education and social security; but this reality may soon drastically change. Brazil's unelected president, Michel Temer, is seeking to amend the constitution to impose unprecedented austerity measures for the next two decades, effectively disenfranchising ordinary Brazilians, and especially the country's most vulnerable citizens.

Temer, formerly Dilma Rousseff's ally and vice president, came to power in August as Rousseff was ousted from office in a highly controversial impeachment procedure many have called a parliamentary coup. The country he has taken charge of is facing a serious economic crisis similar to that confronting many of Brazil's neighbours; his answer for a stagnant economy is to freeze the federal budget for decades through a constitutional amendment.

Public spending on education and healthcare will remain constant for years as the population grows and ages

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