Bolsonaro Supporters Rally in São Paulo as Election Race Tightens
By Editor • September 8, 2026 • 1 min read
On Brazil's Independence Day, a significant rally took place in São Paulo, where approximately 28,500 supporters of right-wing presidential candidate Flavio Bolsonaro gathered to voice their opposition to leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. The event, held on September 7, aimed to leverage ongoing tensions surrounding the Supreme Court to bolster Bolsonaro's campaign ahead of the crucial first-round election on October 4.
Flavio Bolsonaro, the senator and son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, addressed the crowd, claiming that a vote for Lula equated to a vote for Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, a figure known for his controversial actions against Jair Bolsonaro. "This consortium of Lula and Moraes will come to an end," Flavio stated, tapping into the sentiments of those frustrated with the current political climate.
The rally's atmosphere was charged, with many waving Brazilian flags and some carrying U.S. and Israeli flags. An oversized inflatable doll depicting Donald Trump, a known ally of the Bolsonaro family, added a surreal touch to the demonstration. Despite the cold weather, attendees expressed their commitment to the cause, viewing Flavio as a continuation of his father's legacy.
Meanwhile, Lula, who attended the traditional military parade in Brasilia, refrained from making a speech but had addressed the nation the previous night, underscoring the importance of national sovereignty. As the political landscape shifts, a recent poll indicated a neck-and-neck race between Lula and Bolsonaro, each garnering 41% support in a potential runoff scheduled for October 25.
Source: www.dailymaverick.co.za
