Rio student march puts democracy and policy concerns into Brazil runoff campaign

Thousands of students marched through downtown Rio de Janeiro on Wednesday, opposing presidential candidate Flavio Bolsonaro and calling for votes for incumbent Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva ahead of Brazil’s 25 October runoff. France 24 International reported that Bolsonaro led Sunday’s first-round vote. No precise attendance estimate was given.

The march featured drums, fireworks and chants, including “Never Again Bolsonaro”. Demonstrators said they feared a far-right return to power and raised concerns about democracy, rights and university funding.

Flavio Bolsonaro, 45, has pledged sweeping budget cuts and praised Argentine President Javier Milei’s economic reforms. Protesters pointed to cuts made under his father, former president Jair Bolsonaro, to federal universities, research scholarships and the Farmacia Popular programme.

Demonstrators also voiced concern about Flavio Bolsonaro’s plan to seek amnesty for his father, who is serving a 27-year sentence for attempting a coup after his 2022 election loss. These concerns were expressed by protesters; the report does not establish what policies a Flavio Bolsonaro government would implement.

Both candidates are adjusting their campaigns for the runoff. Flavio Bolsonaro has focused on building coalitions and state and tax changes, while Lula has renewed his social-media push. France 24 reported that further pro-democracy rallies are planned in the coming days.