Lula supporters rally in São Paulo ahead of Brazil's presidential run-off
Supporters of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva gathered in São Paulo on Tuesday to rally behind his re-election bid ahead of the October 25 presidential run-off against Senator Flavio Bolsonaro.
Dozens of demonstrators braved the rain at Largo da Batata, waving flags and carrying placards in support of Lula. Political figures, including Fernando Haddad, Simone Tebet and Marina Silva, attended the gathering.
Protesters voiced concerns over workers' rights, women's rights and Brazil's sovereignty, warning against what they described as the growing influence of the far right.
Camila Lisboa, a member of the Socialism and Freedom Party's feminist caucus, criticised Bolsonaro's candidacy, accusing him of being disconnected from the realities of working-class Brazilians.
Another demonstrator, Taisa, expressed frustration over labour conditions and warned against potential threats to women's rights and what she viewed as growing US influence.
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Other participants called for stronger political mobilisation among workers and young people ahead of the vote. “We want to defeat the far right that is coming on strong and does not represent the rights of workers, students and the Brazilian people,” demonstrator Julia said.
The rally followed Brazil's October 4 first-round election, in which Bolsonaro secured 47.03 per cent of the vote against Lula's 45.16 per cent. The two candidates will face each other in the October 25 run-off.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
