'Never again Bolsonaro': thousands march ahead of Brazil election runoff

A massive student-led march filled the streets of Rio de Janeiro's downtown area on Wednesday, protesting the rise of Flavio Bolsonaro, the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, and the potential return of far-right rule to Brazil. The first round of the runoff election saw Flavio Bolsonaro, 45, come out ahead, causing alarm among Brazil's left-leaning population.

The march, marked by drums, fireworks, and passionate chants, called for "Never Again Bolsonaro" and urged voters to support leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Alice Carneiro, a 25-year-old maritime shipping administrator, expressed her fears about a potential backlash against her transgender wife if Bolsonaro were to win.

Flavio Bolsonaro campaigned on promises of sweeping budget cuts, reminiscent of former Argentine President Javier Milei's reforms. He vowed to cut funding for public universities, research scholarships, and the government-subsidized healthcare program known as Farmacia Popular. Bolsonaro's rise has alarmed many, as they worry about potential cuts to social programs and the erosion of rights for marginalized groups.

Lula, who is seeking a fourth term in office at the age of 81, has shifted his campaign strategy to focus more on social media, where the opposition has traditionally held the upper hand. He made his first appearance in an Instagram and TikTok video, encouraging supporters to hit the streets and engage with voters. Lula warned that granting amnesty to his father, currently serving a 27-year sentence for attempting a coup after his 2022 election loss, would signal approval for future coups.