Brazilian right-wing rallies last October intensified pressure on STF and Lula, pushing for judicial reform.
October witnessed significant right-wing demonstrations across more than 20 Brazilian cities, primarily targeting President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s administration and the Supreme Federal Court (STF). Coordinated under the banner “Acorda Brasil” (Wake Up Brazil), these rallies served as a critical platform to advocate for the congressional overturn of a presidential veto concerning the “dosimetria” project, a legislative effort aimed at reducing sentences for individuals convicted in connection with the January 8, 2023, events. The widespread protests underscored ongoing political tensions and the right-wing’s concerted efforts to influence national policy and public discourse.
The largest gatherings were concentrated in major urban centers, including Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, drawing prominent political figures. The Avenida Paulista in São Paulo became a focal point, featuring appearances from three notable pre-candidates for the presidency: Senator Flávio Bolsonaro (PL-RJ) and Governors Romeu Zema (Novo-MG) of Minas Gerais and Ronaldo Caiado (PSD-GO) of Goiás.
These demonstrations marked the initial coordinated opposition effort following former President Jair Bolsonaro’s endorsement of his son, Flávio Bolsonaro, for the upcoming presidential race. Among the key demands voiced at the rallies were appeals for the former president’s freedom and calls for the impeachment of STF Justices Alexandre de Moraes and Dias Toffoli, signaling a direct challenge to the judiciary’s authority.
Right-Wing Mobilizations Spark Debate on Justice and Power
The “Acorda Brasil” movement, despite presenting a somewhat diffuse agenda, primarily aimed to foster unity within the right-wing political spectrum and initiate what Flávio Bolsonaro described as a “rescue” of national values and governance. In his address, he strategically extended overtures to both established allies and specific electoral demographics, seeking to consolidate support ahead of future political contests. The focus on judicial overreach and governmental criticism served as a rallying cry designed to galvanize a diverse base of supporters.
These mobilizations also reflected a broader strategy by the opposition to reassert its influence following recent electoral outcomes, framing the current political climate as one requiring urgent intervention. The consistent critique of the STF’s role in democratic processes and the Lula administration’s policies positioned the right as the primary voice for those discontent with the status quo, aiming to reshape public opinion and parliamentary actions through sustained pressure.
Key Figures Highlight Political Divisions
While the presidential hopefuls generally opted for more measured rhetoric during their speeches, other prominent allies of the former president launched extensive attacks directly at the Supreme Federal Court. A common thread across all addresses, however, was a strong plea for amnesty regarding the January 8 convicts and a decisive call for Congress to override President Lula’s veto on the dosimetria bill. This shared agenda showcased a unified front on key judicial issues.
Governor Romeu Zema criticized what he termed the “extravagance of Brasília’s untouchables,” though he refrained from naming specific authorities or detailing his allegations. Similarly, Flávio Bolsonaro avoided escalating his tone directly against the STF, refraining from mentioning individual justices. He affirmed his support for the impeachment of any minister found to be in violation of the law but denied that the Supreme Court was a specific target of the right-wing movement.
Bolsonaro stated, “Our target has never been the Supreme Court; we have always maintained that the STF is fundamental for democracy, but they are destroying democracy under the pretext of defending it to target Bolsonaro.” Governor Ronaldo Caiado, in his address, emphasized public security and pledged to grant amnesty to the former president should he be elected. The former chief executive currently faces a 27-year sentence following a conviction for an attempted coup after the 2022 elections.
Ideological Calls and Accusations Target Judiciary
In a more direct offensive against the Supreme Federal Court, Congressman Nikolas Ferreira (PL-MG), a key organizer of the “Acorda Brasil” initiative, alongside Pastor Silas Malafaia, who orchestrated the São Paulo event, openly criticized the STF. Both vehemently denied any apprehension towards Justice Alexandre de Moraes. According to Nikolas Ferreira, the justice’s “final destination is jail,” further referring to him as “goofy” and “idiot.”
Pastor Malafaia adopted an even more aggressive stance, labeling Justice Moraes a “dictator in robes” and asserting a “demoralization” of the Supreme Court. The pastor also issued demands to STF President Justice Edson Fachin, advocating for the removal of Justices Moraes and Dias Toffoli, declaring, “Alexandre de Moraes and Dias Toffoli should be removed from the STF; they lack the moral authority to judge anyone.” These statements reflect a deeply entrenched ideological battle being waged by segments of the right against the judiciary.
Divergent Views on Protest Attendance
In the aftermath of the protests, reactions from across the political spectrum painted vastly different pictures of their success. The left-wing leadership, notably Minister Gleisi Hoffmann of the Institutional Relations Secretariat, asserted that Brazil was “well awake” and would not permit the right to regain governance. Hoffmann, through social media, lambasted the “fancied Brazilians” who she claimed “lied” to attack Lula, referencing alleged past concessions to Donald Trump and criticizing Flávio Bolsonaro’s associations. She confidently declared, “We are not afraid of this confrontation; we have already put you in your place once, you enemies of the homeland. The Brazilian people will not allow you to return!” This sharp retort highlighted the deep political chasm and underscored the left’s perception of the protests as an ineffective attempt to destabilize the current administration.
Turnout estimates fuel political narratives
Left-wing congressional representatives widely dismissed the mobilizations as a “fiasco” with low participation. Pedro Uczai (PT-SC), the Workers’ Party leader in the Chamber, declared that the promised “tsunami” of support had instead manifested as merely a “small wave,” citing modest turnouts in both Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. Similarly, José Guimarães (PT-CE), the government leader in the Chamber, characterized the events as a “historical and shameful flop,” suggesting that the public had grown weary of “empty speeches, hate, and manipulations” that fail to address Brazil’s real issues.
Lindbergh Farias (PT-RJ) echoed these sentiments, portraying the rallies as evidence of a “downward spiral” for the Bolsonaro-aligned movement, particularly criticizing the perceived “lack of enthusiasm” in Flávio Bolsonaro’s debut speech. He concluded that Flávio’s pre-campaign began “smaller than expected,” failing to energize even his core base, marking an “evident failure and a disgrace for those attempting to project strength.”
Future electoral landscape and unity attempts
Estimates provided further contrasting narratives. The Political Debate Monitor, supported by University of São Paulo researchers in partnership with More in Common, reported approximately 20,400 attendees on Avenida Paulista, with a margin of error placing the peak between 18,000 and 22,900. In Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, around 4,700 people were counted, estimated between 4,100 and 5,300 at its peak. While these figures were met with celebrations by right-wing representatives, who generally avoided disclosing specific attendance numbers, government allies underscored the significantly smaller crowds compared to previous mobilizations by the group, pointing to a potential decline in popular support.
Brazilian right-wing protests, STF, Lula government, dosimetria veto, political demonstrations
