Brasilia, August 18 (teleSUR-RHC)-- Hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets of several cities across Brazil on Monday, calling for the impeachment of President Dilma Rousseff, in what her supporters have called a “smear campaign” promoted by right-wing opposition and the media.     

In an interview with teleSUR, political analyst Joa Fere argued that opposition rallies aren't new but part of an ongoing dispute that began in April. Fere pointed out the number of marchers is small when compared to the electorate, arguing this is not an organized action by the opposition but “something created by the media.”    
  
Fere added that important associations as the Federation of Industries of São Paulo state -- comprising 133 employer’s trade unions and 130,000 industries in the country along with other sectors -- have strongly rejected the opposition’s stance against Rousseff, showing concern for the economic repercussions of the protests.

The recent demonstrations come as the Brazilian leader’s popularity sank in response to scandals involving the state-majority-owned oil giant Petrobras, and the ruling Worker's Party (PT).  However analysts suggest that corruption in Brazil is systemic and can be found within all parties, including the opposition leaders, and especially those from right-wing parties.

Rousseff's supporters said her impeachment amounts to a coup attempt, and according to Fere, the mass demonstrations will come to an end, given all the sectors in the country are eager for reconciliation and dialogue.