Police in Brazil's capital have clashed with protesters during a demonstration outside Congress while lawmakers considered legislation that has angered some Brazilians.

The violent scenes in the capital Brasilia underlined tensions in Latin America's biggest economy as the center-right government of President Michel Temer attempts to embark on major cutbacks.

Police fired tear gas trying to drive off protesters, who overturned cars and smashed windows.

Thousands of people joined in the Tuesday evening demonstration in Brasilia as senators planned to vote on a bill to cap government spending. The lower Chamber of Deputies was considering controversial anti-corruption legislation.

(Reuters Photo)

Thick clouds of tear gas eventually drove away the crowd -- estimated by police to reach 10,000 people -- but small groups continued to confront the security forces, throwing back tear gas canisters and attempting to block an avenue.

The protests came on the same day the country learned that nearly the entire squad of a Brazilian soccer team died in a plane crash in Colombia. President Michel Temer declared three days of national morning, but both congressional chambers decided to meet.

Temer came to power this year after the allegedly impeachment of president Dilma Rousseff. Temer has said he has a mandate to move Brazil away from Rousseff's leftist policies, but opponents accuse him of lacking legitimacy.

(EPA Photo)

Latest unemployment figures Tuesday showed about 12 million people are out of work, or 11.8 percent.

The economy shrank 3.8 percent in 2015 and market estimates are pointing to another slip of almost 3.5 percent in 2016, with weak growth returning next year.