Protest by zero tariff and solidarity action mark São Paulo’s birthday

While a solemn mass in celebration of 471 years of São Paulo gathered religious and political authorities, social movements organized a protest in front of the Cathedral of the Sé, in the historic center of the state capital, claiming zero fare in public transport. The information was released by the newspaper Folha de S.Paulo and confirmed by the Military Police to Infomoney.

Inside the Cathedral, the ceremony was presided by Cardinal Odilo Scherer, the metropolitan archbishop of São Paulo, and was attended by bishops, priests, faithful and authorities such as Mayor Ricardo Nunes (MDB) and Governor Tarcisio de Freitas (Republicans). Scherer highlighted the historical origin of the city, noting that São Paulo was born of a mass celebrated by the Jesuits in 1554.

Outside, protesters held banners and posters with phrases like “zero tariff every day is for general.”

The act was organized by the Homeless Workers Movement (MST) and the Free Pass Movement (MPL), which criticized the current value of the bus fare, set at R $ 5. An MPL representative stated that the goal was to make the population aware About the challenges faced by those who depend on public transport, especially in the peripheries.

Parallel to the protest, Father Júlio Lancellotti led a solidarity action, offering breakfast to people in social vulnerability. The initiative, which has already become a tradition on the city’s anniversary, had the support of various social movements.

Despite the climate of celebration, the speeches of the authorities present at Mass did not address the damage caused by heavy rains that hit the capital on Friday (24). Ricardo Nunes highlighted the hospitality of São Paulo, stating that the city is “every day more welcoming”.

Already Tarcísio de Freitas recalled the Jesuit mission of 1549 and the importance of evangelization in the formation of the metropolis.

The presence of a strong police apparatus at the scene caught the eye, with vehicles and agents positioned near the protesters. Nevertheless, there were no records of clashes or serious incidents during the demonstration. To the Infomoneythe police could not say how many protesters participated in the protest.