Anti-Bolsonaro protest in Rio attracts thousands
Thousands of people have marched in downtown Rio de Janeiro in a student protest against election favorite Flavio Bolsonaro and the prospect of the far-right's return to power in Brazil, as the campaign for a runoff election swung into action.
In downtown Rio de Janeiro, a student-led protest against Flavio Bolsonaro and the potential return of the far-right to power in Brazil attracted thousands of participants. Flavio Bolsonaro, 45, is the son of former far-right President Jair Bolsonaro and emerged as the frontrunner in the first round of the election, causing alarm among Brazil's left.
Thousands of students gathered in the city center, using drums, fireworks, and chants to proclaim "Never Again Bolsonaro" and urge voters to support leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Protesters, including Alice Carneiro, a 25-year-old transgender maritime shipping administrator, voiced fears about potential backlash against the transgender community if Bolsonaro returns to power.
They recalled the hardships endured during Jair Bolsonaro's presidency, particularly his downplaying of the Covid pandemic, which resulted in over 700,000 deaths in Brazil. The march was more densely populated and energetic than Lula's rally the previous day, after a campaign criticized for its lack of enthusiasm. Flavio Bolsonaro has pledged to implement budget cuts, drawing parallels to Argentine President Javier Milei's policies, which have left many concerned about the impact on education and healthcare.
The 25th of October runoff election is now on the horizon, with both candidates intensifying their efforts to sway voters.
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