RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) 鈥� Thousands of supporters of Brazil鈥檚 former President demonstrated in cities across the South American nation on Sunday, as organizers hoped to build momentum for a right-wing victory in the upcoming presidential elections.
Protesters draped in yellow and green 鈥� the colors of the national flag 鈥� took to the streets in Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and the capital Brasilia to voice their opposition to current President who faces a tough reelection bid in October.
鈥淭his year will be decisive for all Brazilians,鈥� Fl谩vio Bolsonaro, the ex-president鈥檚 son to stand against Lula, said on Instagram ahead of the demonstration. 鈥淲e鈥檙e one step away from succeeding at rescuing our Brazil.鈥�
Fl谩vio has sought to rally the right around his candidacy against Lula, who has said for a fourth, nonconsecutive term.
Bolsonaro is in prison, where he is serving a for attempting a coup despite to Lula. Many of Bolsonaro鈥檚 supporters believe the embattled far-right leader is the victim of political persecution.
鈥淲e believe that 2026 will be the year of the turning point. We have a project led by President Bolsonaro, which was entrusted to Fl谩vio Bolsonaro,鈥� said Douglas Ruas dos Santos, a state lawmaker at the protest in Rio.
Recent polls show Fl谩vio Bolsonaro and Lula as almost tied in a hypothetical run-off vote.
鈥淭he demonstration celebrated the candidacy of Fl谩vio Bolsonaro,鈥� said Pablo Ortellado, a professor of public policy at the University of Sao Paulo, adding that the former president’s son is consolidating himself as the right’s nominee ahead of October’s vote.
In Sao Paulo, signs with the message 鈥淔ree Bolsonaro鈥� abounded on the city鈥檚 main artery, Paulista Avenue. Huge inflatable figures depicted Lula in prison clothing and Bolsonaro with the presidential sash. Some waved American flags.
In his speech addressing the crowds, Fl谩vio criticized the Supreme Court, which he accused of 鈥渄estroying democracy.鈥� t justices sentenced Bolsonaro last September.
鈥淭he Brazilian people will have the opportunity to choose candidates who are committed to restoring our democracy,鈥� he said.
Protesters took aim at Justice 鈥� who led the case against Bolsonaro 鈥� and Justice Jos茅 Antonio Dias Toffoli, who is facing scrutiny in the context of a sprawling investigation into .
Igor Jardim, a 45-year-old military officer who was at the protest in in Rio, said that Brazil needed to 鈥渨ake up鈥� – a reference to the slogan of Sunday鈥檚 marches, 鈥淲ake up Brazil.鈥�
Jardim said he backs Fl谩vio鈥檚 candidacy. 鈥淗e has good proposals, he has a motivation that I think is appropriate for this, and he is our hope.鈥�
鈥�
Lucas Dumphreys and Diarlei Rodrigues contributed to this report.
Copyright © 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.
