RIO DE JANEIRO — On Wednesday, thousands of university students took to the streets of downtown Rio de Janeiro to demonstrate against the possibility that Flávio Bolsonaro, son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, could become Brazil’s next president. The protest unfolded between two historic squares in the city’s center, with demonstrators dressed in red and carrying signs that invoked Brazil’s sovereignty and democratic values.
Students voice concerns over a potential Bolsonaro administration
“We’re fighting for Brazil, not for Lula,” said 19‑year‑old environmental science student Talita Amaral, who wore a yellow‑and‑green soccer jersey traditionally associated with Bolsonaro supporters. Amaral explained that her choice of attire was meant to reclaim the national colors for a cause she believes protects Brazil’s future.
Amaral added, “We don’t have time to be sad; we need to be out here, occupying the streets, sending messages in WhatsApp groups, trying to convince people.” The chant “Olé olé olé ola, Lula Lula” echoed through Cinelândia Square as the crowd pressed forward.
Election results set the stage for a runoff
In the first round of Brazil’s presidential election, neither Flávio Bolsonaro nor incumbent left‑leaning President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva secured the required 50 % majority, triggering a runoff scheduled for Oct. 25. Flávio Bolsonaro led Lula by roughly two million votes, and the three candidates who placed third, fourth, and fifth—all positioned on the right‑of‑center—combined for about six million votes.
Corruption allegations and pandemic criticism fuel anger
Protesters also highlighted ongoing investigations into Jair Bolsonaro, who is serving a 27‑year sentence for an attempted coup, as well as allegations of corruption, money laundering, and tax evasion tied to the failed Banco Master. Some demonstrators referenced the 700,000 deaths attributed to Brazil’s handling of the COVID‑19 pandemic under Jair Bolsonaro’s administration.
Fear of deeper U.S. influence cited by participants
Twenty‑year‑old literature student João Victor Vieira warned that a Flávio Bolsonaro victory could deepen Brazil’s alignment with the United States, noting ideological similarities between the Bolsonaro family and U.S. President Donald Trump. Vieira recalled last year’s U.S. tariff on Brazilian goods and sanctions on a Brazilian Supreme Court justice, actions he described as part of a broader “witch hunt.”
“If Bolsonaro wins, Brazil will become a colony of the United States,” Vieira said, adding that the Bolsonaro name has become associated with threats to minorities, including people of color, women, and the LGBTQ+ community.
Protest reflects enduring youth activism
Despite initial disappointment after the first‑round results, many young participants expressed renewed optimism. “This protest shows that social movements are still very much alive,” Vieira declared. “We will resist.”
The demonstration underscores the high stakes Brazilians see in the upcoming runoff and the role of youth activism in shaping the nation’s political future.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
