Thousands of Brazilian students marched in Rio de Janeiro to protest the possibility of Flavio Bolsonaro winning the presidency after he secured 2.2 million more votes than incumbent Lula in the first round. The runoff is set for October 25, with Bolsonaro seen as a strong contender.
Protesters, including students and activists, held signs demanding democracy and rejecting Bolsonaro's ideology, which they fear aligns with U.S. policies. Demonstrators wore Brazil's national colors and chanted slogans like 'Never Again Bolsonaro' and 'Brazil isn't anyone's backyard.'
The runoff comes as Brazil faces political uncertainty, with concerns over potential cuts to social programs and fears of a rightward shift. Bolsonaro's campaign focuses on economic reforms, while Lula's team is leveraging social media to regain ground. Both candidates are adjusting strategies to secure votes in the critical runoff.
Protesters expressed concerns about Bolsonaro's plans, including potential amnesties for his father's coup attempt and possible social spending cuts. The demonstrations highlight ongoing tensions between left and right, with calls for democratic resistance and protection of minority rights.