Fernando's forehead was damp with sweat.
He had been with the President for years and knew his temperament well. Back in the day, he won the elections by defeating the opposition leader Neymar with an absolute advantage, thanks to the slogan "Iron Fist in the Anti-Drug Campaign." But now the situation was sliding towards the worst direction.
The public easily compromises, or rather, the Latin American public is easily swept along.
"Sir, the protest crowd has exceeded five thousand people. The Governor of Rio State called just now, saying the riot police are struggling to hold out. Should we... temporarily put the strong attack plan on hold and issue a statement to appease the public?"
"Put on hold?" Mr. President stood up and walked to the floor-to-ceiling window, looking at the sparse protesters gathering in the square outside the Presidential Palace.
