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Thousands of people are gathering in Rio de Janeiro to protest against budget cuts to Brazil's public education sector.

Students and teachers gathered in the city's center Friday to oppose the measures imposed by the administration of far-right President Jair Bolsonaro.

In recent weeks, the Education Ministry has unveiled a series of cuts impacting all sectors of education from early childhood to post-graduate students.

Universities were hit by a 30% cut to their discretionary expenses and future scholarships for masters and PhD students were suspended.

Protesters were joined by Fernando Haddad, who ran in the last presidential race backed by the Workers' Party.

Haddad was expected to speak at the event later Friday. Since his defeat, the former presidential candidate has rarely been seen participating in protests.