Students, social movements and Lula supporters gathered in central São Paulo on Sunday to celebrate his election victory over Senator Flávio Bolsonaro and demand continued action to protect democracy.

The demonstration, organised by the National Union of Students (UNE), was held under the theme " Brazil with S: from the streets to the ballot box".

Protesters carried placards supporting indigenous communities, while student leaders criticised Bolsonaro's response to his electoral defeat.

UNE president Bianca Borges accused the senator of attempting to undermine the election result by declaring himself president.

"Today we have taken to the streets to denounce the coup attempt by the far right, expressed in the letter in which Flavio Bolsonaro proclaimed himself president of Brazil," Borges said.

She also claimed that the US Government had not supported Bolsonaro's position.

"The fact is that Flavio Bolsonaro disappeared from Brazil because he was not contesting an election, but a 'habeas corpus', and he knew that, as soon as his privileged immunity ended, he could be detained and tried for his crimes," Borges added about the charges against Bolsonaro, who is currently in the US.

Beyond the election, demonstrators raised concerns about reported violence against indigenous communities and called for greater protection of indigenous rights.

One protester, identified as Ana, said Lula's victory did not mean citizens should stop demanding political and social change.

"We have seen the power of protest and the unity of the people. And now that the elections are over, our struggle is not over," she said.

Ana also expressed concern about the "predominance of the right" in government positions, arguing that public participation remained necessary to influence Brazil's political direction.

"There are many reasons to demonstrate here in Brazil. There is no lack of reasons. Mainly because we have faced, and continue to face daily, a struggle for democracy," she noted.

Another demonstrator, Jose, said the mobilisation was intended to show that public protests could influence political developments beyond Brazil.

"That is precisely what we want to take to Latin America: the power of the streets, without conservatism, and to show that the street also has its own voice," he said.

The São Paulo demonstration was part of a wider series of events organised by UNE across Brazilian cities to maintain student and social movement participation in public debate.

The demonstration took place on Tuesday in Campo Grande, in Rio's west zone, as the Liberal Party (PL) senator prepared to face incumbent President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in the second round.

Participants marched through the streets carrying placards, including signs reading "Fuera Lula", as they expressed support for Bolsonaro's candidacy.

The mobilisation comes amid a dispute over the treatment of political content on Meta's platforms, including Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp.

Meta has acknowledged technical problems affecting Lula's campaign but denied favouring either presidential candidate.

On Tuesday, Meta announced that it had complied with a Brazilian electoral court directive requiring equal treatment of both presidential candidates on its platforms.

The company said it had "completed the implementation of measures to comply with the directive from the electoral court", adding that the restrictions "do not affect organic posts."

The decision followed complaints from Lula's supporters, who alleged that their political content had been removed or its reach restricted.

Around a dozen watchdog organisations and research groups also reported what they described as “indications” that Meta may have favoured Bolsonaro's campaign.

However, Meta dismissed Lula's allegations as “false and unfounded”, attributing the problems to “technical incidents” affecting campaigns from “different parts of the political spectrum”.

Despite these concerns, Carlos Enrique, one of the Bolsonaro supporters attending the demonstration, argued that right-wing political groups have a stronger presence on social media .

He also accused the political left of spreading false information online.

"In reality, they do not dominate social media . Social media is more on the right. The left only knows how to use it to spread fake news. They have no reach; they get no views on social media. It is really the right that dominates social media," he said.

Another demonstrator, identified as Flavio, criticised what he described as attempts to interfere with Bolsonaro's campaign.

He called on Lula to respect the democratic process and accept the election results.

"I think he should not interfere with democracy , since he talks so much about democracy. Why does he have to be getting in the way, right? He has to let things take their course and respect his defeat. This Sunday it is 22 [Liberal Party electoral number] and that will not face any interference. It is no use, he will try to stop it and he will not manage... It is Bolsonaro!" he said.

Meanwhile, Lula has made the defence of Brazil's national sovereignty a central part of his campaign, repeatedly questioning the Bolsonaro camp's ties with Washington.

He also urged supporters to intensify their political activities both online and on the streets ahead of the vote.

"Get ready, because this is a war. And Lula's army cannot leave the streets, cannot leave the digital networks. The day-to-day struggle is important. We are already bigger than the Chinese army, than the American army, than the Russian army. We are the army of dignity, the army of decency, the army of democracy," he stated.

The comments reflect the political divisions surrounding the final days of the presidential campaign, with supporters of both candidates debating the role of digital platforms in shaping voter opinion.

Bolsonaro entered the runoff after securing 47.03 per cent of valid votes in the October 4 first round, according to Brazil's Superior Electoral Court (TSE).

Lula finished with 45.16 per cent.

Neither candidate secured the majority required for an outright victory, setting up a second-round contest on October 25.

The protesters gathered outside Meta's headquarters in the Faria Lima area on Monday, accusing the company of favouring presidential candidate Flavio Bolsonaro ahead of the October 25 run-off.

Demonstrators carried placards reading 'Meta, don't meddle', 'In Brazil, Brazil decides' and 'Meta blocks pro-Lula political content'.

They demanded greater transparency from the company behind Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, alleging that accounts supporting Lula had been suspended and political content restricted.

"[Meta] has been interfering in the Brazilian elections . It is very serious. Since the beginning of the year, it has taken decisions to remove accounts and suspend content without giving any explanation," said Alexandre, one of the demonstrators, asserting that the situation "has intensified" as the electoral timetable advances.

Another protester claimed that account suspensions were affecting political mobilisation during the final days of campaigning.

"We are seeing many people being blocked, aren't we? Or, at times, the suspension of their accounts during this period - precisely the electoral period - just at the moment when we manage to take to the streets and the networks, aren't we? And then they are blocking a lot of people," he said.

The demonstration coincided with a ruling by Brazil's Superior Electoral Court (TSE), which ordered Meta to provide evidence within 24 hours that both campaigns receive equal treatment.

The company could face daily fines of up to one million reais, approximately $185,000, if it fails to comply.

Meta has denied favouring either presidential candidate, maintaining that its rules apply equally to all political campaigns.

The company also rejected allegations that it was interfering in Brazil's electoral process.

The dispute follows complaints from both presidential campaigns about unequal treatment on digital platforms.

Concerns increased after journalistic investigations identified differences in the responses generated by Meta's artificial intelligence tool on WhatsApp.

According to the findings, the tool generated election posters when prompted with "Flavio 22" but rejected similar requests containing "Lula 13".

Meta attributed the difference to a problem with its filters, explaining that the system did not always recognise "Flavio" as a reference to the presidential candidate.

The company said the issue had been corrected.

The controversy comes during the final days of Brazil's presidential campaign, with Lula and Bolsonaro preparing to face each other in the October 25 run-off following a closely contested first round.

That was the message from Brazilian presidential candidate Flavio Bolsonaro as he addressed supporters on Paulista Avenue in Sao Paulo on Sunday, criticising President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and the country's Supreme Federal Court ahead of the October 25 run-off.

The senator led a mobilisation called the 'Victory Bloc', organised in response to the 'Mass March for Democracy' held days earlier by supporters of Lula.

Bolsonaro travelled through the gathering aboard an open-top lorry, surrounded by supporters waving Brazilian flags and carrying placards backing his presidential campaign.

During his speech, he accused the Supreme Federal Court of interfering in politics and questioned Lula's relationship with Justice Alexandre de Moraes.

"Today, Brazil has no president. We have someone who had to share his power with Alexandre de Moraes, to whom the current president owes his mandate. A Supreme Court that has persecuted political opponents has created a great deal of legal uncertainty in our country," the candidate said.

Bolsonaro also encouraged supporters to watch the presidential debate scheduled for Sunday evening, saying he intended to make allegations against Lula.

"I want you to follow me, because today I want to see you all in front of the television watching the debate. There I will have the opportunity to set out the crimes that he (Lula da Silva) committed against our nation. Brazil is without a president, but only for a short time, because Flavio Bolsonaro is coming and Brazil will win," Bolsonaro emphasised.

The gathering was promoted through the candidate's social media platforms as part of efforts to mobilise supporters during the final days of campaigning.

Several participants also expressed concerns about the country's judicial system.

Junho, one of the demonstrators, accused the Supreme Court of undermining constitutional protections and democratic rights.

"I want to make it very clear that we have a Constitution that must be respected. Unfortunately, this Supreme Court has already trampled on it in every possible way. We no longer have a justice system that guarantees the democratic rights of every Brazilian," the supporter said.

Another participant, Vinicius, questioned the first-round election result and urged voters to support Bolsonaro in the second round.

"They should have lost in the first round. The ballot boxes stopped, God knows for what reason, and the opponent reached enough votes to force a second round. That is why it is important that next Sunday we vote for Flavio Bolsonaro, on the 25th, for the future of Brazil," he added.

The senator's rally followed a large demonstration organised by Lula's supporters, students and social movements.

Participants in that earlier march expressed support for democracy and the continuation of the Workers' Party (PT) government.

The rival mobilisations come as Lula and Bolsonaro prepare to face each other in the second round of Brazil's presidential election on October 25.

Bolsonaro, the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, has established strong support among evangelical voters, while Lula is working to attract members of a community traditionally associated with the conservative right.

At a religious gathering at the Gilberto Cardoso Gymnasium, known as Maracanazinho, in Rio de Janeiro, several worshippers explained why they support Bolsonaro.

Maria Luisa, an evangelical Christian, said the senator's emphasis on family values influenced her political preference.

"He sets good examples for people . Many are like that, but he attaches great importance to the family. That is why we support Bolsonaro, because the family supports the family and always wants to see it doing well," she said.

Another worshipper, Marisa, expressed hope that Bolsonaro would bring change to the country if elected.

"Flavio, may you be able to do the best for our country, with God before you. Brazil needs change, it needs renewal, and we are counting on your help," she said.

Joao Sebastiao also connected the candidate's political future to his religious beliefs.

"He is not yet the president of the country, but we believe that God is in control of this situation. And if he gets to where he has to get to, it will be because God put him in that place to govern and administer. We believe he will be a great administrator for this country. That is what we need today to have a better Brazil," he maintained.

However, the political importance of evangelical voters extends beyond religious beliefs.

Guilherme Galvao, an analyst at the Fundacao Getulio Vargas (FGV), explained that Jair Bolsonaro had attracted support from different groups through his positions on public order, conservative values and economic policies .

"On the basis of his discourse in defence of order, his values agenda and his own economic agenda, Jair Bolsonaro ended up winning over very diverse sectors and managed to turn evangelicals into his main social base. Today, any candidate for the presidency of the Republic or for any other major executive post who wants to win an election needs, in some way, to establish a dialogue with the evangelical sector," Galvao explained.

The analyst also highlighted differences in political preferences between Catholic and evangelical communities, while stressing that neither group votes as a single bloc.

"Catholics tend to prefer the Workers' Party (PT) and Lula, because the president maintains a more moderate discourse on these issues. There is a certain distance between him and evangelical grassroots, although it is not absolute. On the other hand, Bolsonarism has managed to capitalise on much of that discourse. Evangelicals, because of their decentralised form of organisation, have greater scope to develop political activism," the specialist added.

Both presidential campaigns have increased their engagement with religious groups ahead of the second round.

On October 10, Flavio Bolsonaro attended the centenary celebration of the Assembly of God of the Madureira Ministry at Maracanazinho, where he interacted with worshippers and delivered messages centred on faith.

Two days later, he participated in activities associated with the Catholic feast of Our Lady of Aparecida.

Lula has also intensified his engagement with evangelical communities. On October 14, he released a letter addressed to evangelical voters as part of his efforts to strengthen support within the religious sector.

Speaking at the Hispanic Heritage Month Gala in Washington on Wednesday, Milei expressed confidence in Bolsonaro's chances against Lula and accused the Brazilian leader of being a communist dictator.

'And now my dear friend Flavio Bolsonaro, with the forces of heaven on his side, I am sure that within a few days he will prevail over the communist dictator Lula da Silva,' he said.

The event, organised by Latino Wall Street, honoured Milei with an award recognising his leadership. Eduardo Bolsonaro, the brother of the Brazilian presidential candidate, was also in attendance.

Milei used the occasion to express support for the Bolsonaro family, including former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is serving a 27-year prison sentence for attempting a coup against Lula following his defeat in the 2022 elections .

'I would like to take this opportunity to greet Eduardo, Flavio's brother, here with us, and to send a message of affection and support to both Flavio and to their father, my friend President Jair Bolsonaro, who remains unjustly and vindictively imprisoned. Greetings, dear Jair,' he said.

The Argentine leader also called for closer cooperation between Latin American governments and US President Donald Trump to counter left-wing political movements across the region.

'It is the duty of all Latin American presidents to form, together with President Trump , a true shield against socialism. We cannot cede a millimetre in our reconquest of the hemisphere,' Milei said.

He also linked Lula politically to the late Cuban leader Fidel Castro and, in an unscripted remark towards the end of his speech, said the Brazilian president should be removed from office.

Milei's comments come as Brazil prepares for a closely contested presidential run-off between Lula and Flavio Bolsonaro, the eldest son of Jair Bolsonaro.

In the first round on October 4, Flavio secured 47 percent of valid votes, compared with Lula's 45 percent.

The Washington appearance marked Milei's twentieth visit to the United States since taking office in December 2023.

The Liberal Party (PL) candidate visited his father, who is under house arrest, at his residence in Brasília's Federal District on Tuesday, just days before the October 25 presidential run-off against President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

Speaking outside the housing estate, Flavio said his father was pleased with the first-round election results, which placed him ahead of Lula.

"I am leaving here very happy. He was very pleased with the result of these elections and that we came out ahead in the first round. He was very happy to have been heard by the majority of the Brazilian people, who gave a strong Senate for the legislature starting in 2027. They gave an even stronger Chamber, also further to the right," he said.

Flavio also revealed that his father had offered advice about the campaign but declined to disclose the details.

"He is satisfied with the work that is being done. He is hopeful that Brazil is going to change. Obviously he gives us some advice here and there. I am just not going to make it public because it could really be interpreted in bad faith and end up being used against him," he added.

The visit followed a decision by Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes on Monday to lift a restriction that had been in place for approximately 90 days.

The restriction was imposed after Flavio read a letter from his father on social media, violating precautionary measures.

With approval from the Public Prosecutor's Office, Moraes authorised the visits on the condition that they would not serve 'political-electoral' purposes.

The judge is also the rapporteur in the coup-plotting trial that led to Jair Bolsonaro's imprisonment.

Turning to the presidential race, Flavio accused Lula's Workers' Party (PT) of spreading false information and claimed that lying was the "main pillar" of the president's campaign.

He rejected suggestions that his campaign was already celebrating victory.

"There is no 'we have already won' mood in our campaign. Everyone is out on the streets," he said.

Flavio announced plans to campaign across Brazil's south, north-east, north and south-east regions before the second round.

"We ask everyone to really take to the streets, take your children , take your family, take your Brazilian flag. Dress in your Bolsonaro T-shirt with great pride, because it will not be long before we take Brazil out of captivity," he added.

According to the reported October 4 first-round results, Flavio secured 47.03 per cent of valid votes, while Lula received 45.16 per cent.

Both candidates will contest the presidential run-off on October 25.

That was the message from Ingrid, one of several supporters of Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva who gathered in Rio de Janeiro on Monday to back his re-election ahead of the October 25 presidential run-off.

The mobilisation took place in the city's historic Lapa neighbourhood, where demonstrators assembled near the Arcos de Lapa alongside artists, samba musicians, carnival school members and representatives of social movements.

The gathering was part of efforts by left-wing groups to strengthen support for Lula as he prepares to face Senator Flavio Bolsonaro of the Liberal Party (PL) in the second round.

For some participants, the election has raised concerns about political rights and the possibility of the Bolsonaro family returning to power.

Lucas, one of the protesters, criticised the former president's political family and expressed fears about its return to government .

"I think the Bolsonaro family represents barbarity and the worst. They have already shown the worst in the history of Brazilian politics," he said.

"I think people are afraid of this family. The fear that what we have already seen will return is going to bring many people to our side."

Other demonstrators focused on voter participation, particularly among young Brazilians.

Eloisa said the election had encouraged more young people to become politically active, particularly after some voters failed to participate in the first round.

"I think there was a wave that has already passed. Many people did not go to vote because they thought the election was already decided. I think, on the one hand, it was important to attract young people, so that they also see, research and know what is behind all this. So I think young people now have much more strength in terms of protest ," she said.

The Lapa demonstration followed another pro-Lula rally on Copacabana beach, with both events aimed at mobilising voters before the final round.

According to first-round results attributed to Brazil's Superior Electoral Court, Flavio Bolsonaro secured 47.03 per cent of valid votes on October 4, while Lula received 45.16 per cent.

The two candidates will contest the October 25 run-off to determine who leads Brazil during the 2027–2030 presidential term.

Speaking at a mass gathering that drew more than one million people, according to the government, Lula said around 30 million eligible voters had failed to cast their ballots in the first round.

He particularly encouraged older Brazilians to participate, noting that voting is not compulsory for people over 70.

"We have an obligation to speak to those who believe they no longer have the right to vote," Lula said.

The president also urged Brazilians to defend the country's democratic institutions.

"This country cannot lose democracy, however imperfect it may be," he said.

Lula stressed that young people should have a greater say in government decisions and that political participation should extend beyond elected officials.

"We must listen to young people. It is not enough to do things from the top down," he maintained.

The president also criticised the "Bolsonaro family" over its record, particularly the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic under former President Jair Bolsonaro.

"You know what it means for a president to laugh at people who were dying of asphyxiation for lack of oxygen. You saw how many millions of people were buried in black bags without being able to say goodbye to their families, because we had an irresponsible president who distrusted the media, did not believe in medicine and prescribed a drug that was useless," Lula said.

Turning to his campaign proposals, Lula outlined plans to strengthen Brazil's technology sector through professional training in artificial intelligence and the digital industry.

He also promised reforms in energy and public security .

"We will have to carry out an energy revolution. We will have to carry out a revolution in public security, because we need to guarantee the people's safety and imprison criminals, so that society can live in peace," he said.

On education, Lula said the number of university graduates in Brazil's labour market had increased from 4.8 million in 2003 to 26 million today, according to figures he presented.

He set a target of 50 million graduates and said expanding university education must be accompanied by quality employment opportunities.

The rally took place seven days after Brazil's October 4 presidential election, in which Flavio Bolsonaro received 47.03 per cent of valid votes, compared with Lula's 45.16 per cent.

Neither candidate secured an outright majority, sending the election to a runoff between the two contenders.

Speaking in Brasilia on Sunday, the Liberal Party (PL) candidate celebrated his first-round result before turning his attention to the October 25 runoff against Lula.

"Nearly 56 million Brazil ians gave this vote of confidence for change. The key word is change. Brazil cannot take any more," Bolsonaro said in a message released by his campaign team.

With 99 per cent of polling stations counted, Bolsonaro had 47.03 per cent of valid votes, compared with Lula's 45.16 per cent.

Neither candidate secured an absolute majority, sending the contest to a second round.

Bolsonaro used his remarks to criticise the Workers' Party (PT) and Lula's record in government .

"It is the end of the PT era," Bolsonaro asserted, blaming the current government for problems including business closures and household indebtedness.

The candidate also outlined some of the policies he plans to push during the remaining weeks of campaigning.

They include reducing the number of government ministries and ending the possibility of presidential re-election.

"He cares about power. I care about Brazil's future. I am contesting Brazil's future," Bolsonaro said, drawing a contrast between himself and Lula.

Bolsonaro and Lula will face each other in the presidential runoff on October 25.

Speaking at the Renaissance Sao Paulo Hotel on Sunday, the Workers' Party candidate admitted he had expected to secure enough votes to win outright.

"I would have liked to win the election in the first round. But it is not the first time I have thought that...the people like me to contest the second round. And I am very good at the knockouts. I do not lose, I do not." he said.

With 99 per cent of ballot boxes counted, data from the Superior Electoral Tribunal (TSE) showed Bolsonaro with 47.03 per cent of valid votes and Lula with 45.16 per cent.

Both candidates advanced to the second round scheduled for October 25.

"The result is often unexpected. We never achieve everything we wanted. I confess before you that I was convinced I would win the election in the first round," said Lula, who is seeking a fourth term as Brazil's president.

Lula described the runoff as a new phase of the contest and called on his supporters to begin campaigning again.

"The match is going to start. We are in extra time," he said.

The president said the new campaign would focus on persuading voters, including those who did not take part in the first round.

"It is the hour of the trial by fire. It is time to show the true picture of Brazil today. It is the Brazil we want. So, from tomorrow we begin a new campaign," he said.

Lula also defended proposals focused on technological and scientific development, rare earths and critical minerals, and strengthening Brazilian industry.

He highlighted education , research and technology as key parts of his platform and pledged to continue supporting universities, federal institutes, and technical and higher education.

More than 158 million Brazilians were eligible to vote. Alongside the presidential contest, voters were choosing all 513 members of the Chamber of Deputies and 27 of the Senate's 81 members.

Lula, who is seeking re-election, reached the Zona da Mata Regional Airport in Goiana but could not continue by helicopter because of the bad weather . He later returned to Brasilia.

Hundreds of supporters had already started gathering near the Roza Cabinda viaduct in central Juiz de Fora ahead of his expected arrival.

Heavy rain and strong winds forced some of those waiting to seek shelter, while others remained at the venue.

After Lula's appearance was cancelled, some supporters left, although the campaign event continued with other coalition candidates.

Ana Lucia, who attended the mobilisation despite the weather, said her support for Lula was linked to changes she experienced during his previous governments.

"After the Lula government I managed to buy and pay off my own house; I raised my five children; today they all have their own houses; I studied; I qualified. So there is nothing more fitting than to be here today celebrating our democracy ," the supporter said.

Another supporter, Carlos Eduardo, praised Lula's social policies and said they had benefited people across different age groups.

"He always does things right; he always helps us; he encourages us; not only on the question of purity, but also on childhood, adolescence, adult life and old age; he always helps us with everything."

Minas Gerais is one of Brazil's most important electoral states and has featured prominently in the final stretch of the presidential campaign.

Lula was scheduled to return to the state this week for another campaign event in Belo Horizonte on Friday.

The 80-year-old is seeking a fourth presidential term after governing Brazil from 2003 to 2010 and returning to office in 2023.

His main rival in the October 4 election is Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, son of former president Jair Bolsonaro.

If no candidate receives more than 50 per cent of valid votes in the first round, a run-off will be held on October 25.

Lula made the remarks on Monday during a campaign rally at Republic Square in central Belem, where supporters of his Workers' Party (PT) gathered alongside allied political leaders.

"Please tell our opponent to withdraw his candidacy. And back us because they have no chance," the president said.

The rally came just days before Brazil's October 4 election, with Lula urging his supporters to remain mobilised ahead of the first round of voting.

Lula also used the event to address diplomatic tensions with the United States . He called for relations based on respect for Brazil's sovereignty and non-interference in its internal affairs amid differences over possible foreign intervention in the election and bilateral cooperation against organised crime.

"I do not want war with the US. I want respect. I want respect. So, comrades, be prepared and do not look beyond this," Lula added.

Supporters at the rally also explained their reasons for backing the president.

"I support President Lula for his record of commitment to education and his fight against fraud. In my humble opinion, President Lula is one of the most important people ever to have set foot in Brazil ," said Diego Aguiar, a systems analyst.

Aguiar also backed the continuation of Lula's political project, saying he believed its impact was being felt by the public.

"People trust that President Lula's project is improving their lives because they have faith; because they are living it," he added.

Before the rally, Lula visited the hospital complex of the Benemerita Sociedade Portuguesa Beneficente do Para alongside Health Minister Alexandre Padilha.

He toured the new facilities of Hospital Sao Joao de Deus, which is part of the complex and provides care to patients under Brazil's Unified Health System (SUS).

Lula made the remarks during the 'Culture with Lula' gathering at the Fundicao Progresso cultural centre, where he appeared alongside artists and other cultural figures.

"Bolsonaro destroyed not only the Ministry of Culture; he destroyed the Ministry of Labour. He destroyed the Ministry of Industry and Trade [...] the Ministry of Racial Equality, the Ministry of Women and the Ministry of Human Rights," Lula said.

Lula Pushes Constitutional Protection for Culture

During Bolsonaro's government, the Ministry of Culture was dismantled. Its responsibilities were initially transferred to the Ministry of Citizenship before being placed under a special secretariat within the Ministry of Tourism .

Lula said cultural policies should receive stronger protection to prevent them from being changed by future governments.

"It is necessary that we incorporate into the Constitution what we want for culture. It is the safest way to ensure there are no changes from one government to another," he said.

Singer Daniela Mercury, who attended the gathering, spoke about the role of different forms of cultural expression in shaping Brazilian identity.

"Culture touches all of us directly and profoundly; it is our bonds," she said.

Brazil Heads Towards October Election

The gathering formed part of Lula's campaign for a fourth presidential term, with Geraldo Alckmin again running as his vice-presidential candidate.

Brazil's presidential election is scheduled for October 4. Lula and Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, son of former president Jair Bolsonaro, are among the main contenders.

If no candidate receives more than half of the valid votes, a second round will be held on October 25.

Bolsonaro,  one of the presidential candidates formally registered for  Brazil ’s 2026 election, began the event with supporters at Marco Zero in Old Recife before walking to Cais da Alfândega  for the main rally.

Bolsonaro targets Lula and Supreme Court

During his speech, Bolsonaro focused his criticism on Lula and Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes. He claimed Lula’s ministers were protecting Moraes and linked the issue to the presidential election .

"Lula's ministers are protecting Alexandre de Moraes. Do you know why? Because they are betting on Lula's re-election so that everything ends in a cover-up in the Supreme Court. But that is not going to happen, because we are going to win these elections in the first round," Bolsonaro told his supporters.

Bolsonaro also questioned Lula's government's economic and social record and criticised the Workers’ Party (PT).

"And with the continuity of this government, if it does continue, do you think Brazil would have more or less corruption, or even more, with another four years of this government? Would you suffer more or less violence? You would suffer more. But I, together with each one of you here, together we will rescue this Brazil," he said.

Bolsonaro added that he would not allow Brazil "to sink into this sea of mud created by Lula", and he called the president "a liar, a corrupt man and incompetent".

Supporters back Bolsonaro

Supporters attending the rally also voiced their backing for Bolsonaro.

Linda, one of those at the event, said she believed voters wanted a change in leadership.

"I trust in Flavio Bolsonaro's victory because the people are tired of theft, of the PT's theft. So enough of this dishonest old guard in power," she said.

The Pernambuco visit forms part of Bolsonaro’s campaign efforts in Brazil’s north-east.

Brazil’s first-round election is officially scheduled for October 4, with a possible presidential run-off on October 25 if no candidate receives the required majority. Voters will also elect governors, senators and federal, state and district deputies.

Speaking to supporters on Avenida Paulista, Bolsonaro said he campaigns wearing protective gear and portrayed voters as his defence.

"I want to assure everyone that I campaign wearing a bulletproof vest. I put my chest on the line for the Brazilian people, because I know that, deep down, you, the Brazilian people and the Brazilian electorate, are the vest that defends our democracy today," he said.

Bolsonaro also presented his presidential bid as a protest and argued that Brazil could prosper under a different political direction.

"This is the Brazil of the future I want: a Brazil where people do not have to rely on a politician simply to put food on the table. My candidacy is a protest, it seeks to show that Brazil can be fixed, that Brazil has a future and that Brazil can prosper," he said.

Security formed a major part of his speech. Bolsonaro said Comando Vermelho and militias would be classified as terrorist organisations. He also proposed lowering the age of criminal responsibility and introducing tougher sentences for crimes.

"I will work to approve chemical castration for rapists and abusers of women. Mobile phone thieves will serve a minimum sentence of eight years in prison and will have to work to pay for their own upkeep," he announced.

The rally also featured slogans against President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and criticism of Supreme Court Minister Alexandre de Moraes amid tensions between the court and Bolsonarismo.

"We must protect the Supreme Court from Alexandre de Moraes. That rotten apple cannot be allowed to contaminate the whole Court. The Supreme Court is not Alexandre de Moraes; the Judiciary is not Alexandre de Moraes; the magistracy is not Alexandre de Moraes," Bolsonaro said.

While Bolsonaro addressed supporters in Sao Paulo, Lula led a civic-military parade in Brasilia marking 204 years of Brazil's Independence. The events came ahead of the first round of the presidential election on October 4.

The event was held near Posto 5, one of the main political strongholds of his father, former president Jair Bolsonaro, who served from 2019 to 2022.

Flavio Bolsonaro focused his campaign message on public security, fighting drug trafficking and taking a tough stance against organised crime.

He also criticised President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva over his foreign policy, arguing that the government was focusing on diplomatic tensions instead of Brazil's domestic problems.

"(Lula) fights against countries that are 10,000 kilometres away from us. But the current government does not fight traffickers, does not fight murderers, does not fight robbers. I am going to fight for you!" the legislator said.

At the event, supporter Leticia Soares backed Bolsonaro's candidacy and said she expected an economic recovery. She also highlighted the possibility of closer political ties with Argentine President Javier Milei.

"The economy is going to go from zero to 100 per cent. And with Milei, being together, we can only grow. The economy is growing all over the world ; grow together," the activist said.

Another supporter, Mauricio Vargas, said he believed a Flavio Bolsonaro government aligned with US President Donald Trump could tackle Brazil's main criminal groups.

"The right-wing government of Flavio Bolsonaro, aligned with President Trump of the United States , will be very good for the nation to put an end to the PCC (First Command of the Capital) and the Comando Vermelho," Vargas said.

Bolsonaro also defended the legacy of his father, former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is currently under house arrest and barred from political office for his attempted involvement in a coup in 2022.

He promised to confront the political system, reduce public spending and cut government posts.

Flavio Bolsonaro's campaign launch coincided with the official start of Lula's campaign, as the president held his first event in São Paulo.

Speaking during an internet podcast, Lula said he had instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to suspend meetings with ambassadors until after the election.

"I told Minister Mauro: 'From now until the election, I will not receive any other ambassadors. Only after the election will I receive an ambassador from any country in the world ,'" the president said.

Lula also pointed to the absence of a US ambassador in Brazil, noting that the position has remained vacant for about a year and a half. He said tensions grew after Brazil refused entry to US officials whom the government said wanted to question the country's electoral system.

"The United States have been in power for a year and a half and hasn't sent anyone here. Then they try to send someone and think we are obliged to set the date they want. That's not right. No one should think they can interfere from the outside to influence our elections," Lula emphasised.

During the interview, Lula also said his political career is driven by purpose rather than elections.

"I am not in politics to contest an election. The election is simply the result of a goal I set for my life. For me, politics is a cause," the president said.

Brazil will hold the first round of its presidential election on October 4, 2026. Lula is seeking re-election, with recent polls identifying Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, the son of former president Jair Bolsonaro, as his main challenger.