Student demonstrations were held on Sunday in states including São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, where protesters criticized senator Flávio Bolsonaro and what they described as US interference in Brazil’s elections. The rallies, initially planned to celebrate President Lula’s reelection, also addressed political violence and threats against Indigenous communities.
The National Union of Students (UNE) organized events in 11 states and the Federal District. Its president, Bianca Borges, said the week’s developments had changed the focus of demonstrations that were intended to be celebratory. The article links that shift to Flávio Bolsonaro’s departure from Brazil after losing the presidential runoff to Lula and a letter in which he called himself the “true president-elect.” He later changed the wording to “leader of Brazil,” while maintaining the letter’s disputed message.
In São Paulo, the demonstration began at noon in Roosevelt Square. Speakers criticized US involvement in Brazilian elections. The International Anti-Imperialist League also took part, advocating land reform and opposing large estates. One of its members, Ramon Pereira Machado, said masks were being used to protect participants’ identities, citing election-related violence and dismissals of group members after they expressed their views.
Borges also pointed to threats against Indigenous people. The Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office in Mato Grosso do Sul is investigating reports of attacks and intimidation against Indigenous communities, including an alleged rise in violent incidents linked to the 2026 presidential elections.
The São Paulo rally also included calls for continued mobilization around university funding and student support. State deputy-elect Eduardo Suplicy spoke in favor of a basic income, while former Workers’ Party leader José Genoino attended without addressing the crowd. Protesters also criticized São Paulo mayor Ricardo Nunes and displayed a sign calling for his impeachment over an alleged failure to comply with a court order on bus service during the election’s second round.
In Rio de Janeiro, demonstrators gathered near the Candelária church from late morning. The smaller rally featured criticism of Bolsonaro supporters and the far right. Federal deputy Jandira Feghali called Flávio Bolsonaro a “fugitive” in a speech, while protesters also criticized Rio governor-elect Douglas Ruas, an ally of the senator. Other speakers defended Indigenous communities. The UNE said further demonstrations were expected in Salvador on Monday and Brasília on Wednesday.
Sources: Folha Poder.