Supporters of ex-president Bolsonaro rally across Brazil against Lula
Protesters in Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Brasilia voiced their opposition to the current president, who faces a tough re-election bid
Thousands of supporters of Brazil’s former president Jair Bolsonaro demonstrated in cities across the South American nation on Sunday, as organisers hoped to build momentum for a right-wing victory in the coming presidential elections.
Protesters draped in yellow and green – the colours of the national flag – took to the streets in Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and the capital Brasilia to voice their opposition to current President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva who faces a tough re-election bid in October.
“This year will be decisive for all Brazilians,” Flavio Bolsonaro, the ex-president’s son who was chosen by his father to stand against Lula, said on Instagram ahead of the demonstration. “We’re one step away from succeeding at rescuing our Brazil.”
Flavio has sought to rally the right around his candidacy against Lula, who has said he will run for a fourth, non-consecutive term.
Bolsonaro is in prison, where he is serving a 27-year sentence for attempting a coup despite his 2022 electoral defeat to Lula. Many of Bolsonaro’s supporters believe the embattled far-right leader is the victim of political persecution.
“We believe that 2026 will be the year of the turning point. We have a project led by President Bolsonaro, which was entrusted to Flavio Bolsonaro,” said Douglas Ruas dos Santos, a state lawmaker at the protest in Rio.
