Brazilian media outlets reported Thursday that Starbucks has issued a press release informing its customers that patrons will no longer be able to order products under the name “fora Temer,” which means “get out Temer,” a common slogan used by opponents of Brazil’s interim government Michel Temer.
In recent days, clients at Starbucks have ordered beverages and food items under the political moniker, which is then yelled out by store employees to notify the customer that their order is ready.
In a statement issued by Starbucks Brazil, in order to maintain the company's political “non-partisanship,” the coffee chain called on its employees to refuse customer requests who order using the name “fora Temer.”
Meanwhile, the announcement takes place as the opening ceremony for the Summer Olympics is scheduled to begin Friday evening in Rio de Janeiro.
On the sidelines of the inaugural event, demonstrations are expected to be held throughout the city to protest against the he government of Michel Temer, who took over for suspended President Dilma Rousseff.
Since Rousseff was suspended, organizations have led several major protests around the country and polls reveal a majority of the Brazilian population wants new elections. Temer is serving as interim president but has been banned from running for public office for eight years.
Brazil's interim President Michel Temer is optimistic that the country will stage a successful Rio Games, despite widespread opposition to his administration.