Brazilian Protesters Rally Nationwide Against President Lula

Thousands of supporters of imprisoned former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro demonstrated across Brazil on Sunday, opposing current President Lula da Silva. The rallies aimed to build support for Bolsonaro's son Flávio, who plans to challenge Lula in the upcoming presidential race.

Massive demonstrations swept through major Brazilian cities on Sunday as thousands of backers of jailed former President Jair Bolsonaro gathered to oppose the current administration of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

The rallies, which drew crowds wearing Brazil’s national colors of yellow and green, took place in major metropolitan areas including São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and the nation’s capital, Brasília. Organizers aimed to generate support for conservative candidates ahead of the presidential election scheduled for October.

Speaking to followers on Instagram before the demonstrations began, Flávio Bolsonaro, the former president’s son who has been selected to challenge Lula, declared the importance of the moment. “This year will be decisive for all Brazilians,” he stated. “We’re one step away from succeeding at rescuing our Brazil.”

The younger Bolsonaro has been working to unite right-wing voters behind his campaign to face Lula, who has announced his intention to seek a fourth term in office, though not consecutive.

The former president remains incarcerated, currently serving a 27-year prison term for his role in attempting to overthrow the government following his 2022 election loss to Lula. Many of his followers maintain that the imprisoned far-right politician is being targeted for political reasons.

State legislator Douglas Ruas dos Santos, speaking at the Rio demonstration, expressed optimism about future electoral prospects. “We believe that 2026 will be the year of the turning point. We have a project led by President Bolsonaro, which was entrusted to Flávio Bolsonaro,” he told the crowd.

Polling data indicates a tight race between Flávio Bolsonaro and Lula in a potential head-to-head matchup.

Research conducted by the University of São Paulo and the nonprofit organization More in Common estimated attendance at approximately 20,000 people in São Paulo and close to 5,000 in Rio de Janeiro. The studies carry a margin of error of 12 percentage points.

Demonstrators in São Paulo filled the city’s primary thoroughfare, Paulista Avenue, carrying numerous signs demanding “Free Bolsonaro.” Large inflatable displays showed Lula dressed in prison garb while depicting Bolsonaro wearing the presidential sash. Some participants also displayed American flags during the march.

During his address to supporters, Flávio Bolsonaro directed sharp criticism toward the Supreme Court, claiming the judicial body was “destroying democracy.” A Supreme Court panel had issued the prison sentence against his father in September of last year.

“The Brazilian people will have the opportunity to choose candidates who are committed to restoring our democracy,” he proclaimed to the assembled crowds.

Among those attending the Rio protest at Copacabana was Igor Jardim, a 45-year-old military officer who said Brazil needed to “wake up” — echoing the demonstration’s official theme, “Wake up Brazil.”

Jardim voiced his support for Flávio’s presidential ambitions, saying, “He has good proposals, he has a motivation that I think is appropriate for this, and he is our hope.”