Demonstrators Show Support for Brazilian President Ahead of Protests

Supporters of Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff have staged rallies all across the country in the run-up to mass anti-government protests that have been scheduled for Sunday.

Demonstrations in support of Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff were held across the country on Friday, just two days ahead of mass protests against Rousseff's governing coalition, sources say.

There were no reports of violence during the demonstrations, which were staged by pro-government labor unions and social activists.

One of the main avenues in Brazil's largest city of Sao Paulo was blocked by at least 12,000 people who defied bad weather to take part in the rally.

The event saw followers of the Communist Party of Brazil,which is part of Rousseff's parliamentary coalition, hold banners reading "Dilma stays."

The demonstration came as Rousseff faces harsh criticism over the economic downturn, unpopular budget cuts and a corruption scandal at Brazil’s state-owned oil giant Petrobras.

During the Friday rally, the labor unions signaled their support for Rousseff, but urged the withdrawal of her steps to minimize unemployment and pension benefits, which are part of the government's austerity plan. 

Rousseff’s popularity ratings have already sunk to record lows, with just 23 percent of respondents assessing her performance as "excellent or good," according to a survey released by the pollster Datafolha last month.