"It is against the sell-out of Flavio Bolsonaro and his allies, who are simply trying to sell Brazil in exchange for a green card, for support in Donald Trump's elections ," student Luna said.

Demonstrators also criticised Tarcisio's management of education in Sao Paulo state. A survey by the APEOESP trade union association published in April recorded broad opposition within the education community to the state government's policies.

"We are on the streets in defence of our education , in defence of our country," demonstrator Pacu Haddad told Viory.

The protest comes as Brazil's political contest intensifies ahead of the 2026 presidential election, in which Bolsonaro, the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, is among the main contenders.

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.