Thousands of Jair Bolsonaro’s supporters rallied at Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, displaying support for the former president amid accusations of attempting to overthrow his successor, Lula. The event aimed to showcase Bolsonaro’s political ambitions for the 2026 elections, following a history of violence and allegations linked to the January riots. Despite his current legal challenges, Bolsonaro continues to inspire a substantial following determined to challenge the new government.
On a recent Sunday, thousands of supporters rallied at Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro to express their support for former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is currently facing allegations of attempting to overthrow his successor, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. The demonstration serves as a precursor to the upcoming elections, signaling Bolsonaro’s intention to position himself as a contender once again.
Bolsonaro, who served as Brazil’s president from 2019 to 2022, aims to attract even larger crowds, calling for a million participants to join him. His supporters, like 64-year-old Jose de Souza Vitorino, articulated their desire for a brighter future amid current national challenges, saying, “I am here because I want to leave a better Brazil for my children. We are living in a dark time.”
Preparations for the rally included a prominent banner featuring Donald Trump, which underscored Bolsonaro’s admiration and aspirations inspired by Trump’s political resurgence. Central to the rally’s agenda is the demand for amnesty for individuals convicted following the January 8 riots that saw Bolsonaro supporters storm key governmental institutions as a means to overturn the election results.
Supporters at the rally are also calling on the military to intervene against President Lula, who triumphed over Bolsonaro in the October 2022 elections. These events have drawn parallels to the storming of the U.S. Capitol and have raised serious concerns regarding Bolsonaro’s alleged involvement in orchestrating a criminal plot to reclaim power.
In light of ongoing legal proceedings, the Brazilian Supreme Court is set to deliberate on the evidence against Bolsonaro on March 25, which could entail a lengthy prison sentence. Declared ineligible to hold office until 2030, Bolsonaro claims political persecution aimed at barring him from the 2026 electoral race. Despite these obstacles, he has not shied away from expressing his political ambitions, and analysts suggest that the Sunday rally was intended to reinforce his standing among right-leaning contenders.
The rally at Copacabana beach highlighted Jair Bolsonaro’s efforts to mobilize support amidst serious allegations and political challenges. With a vision to return to power in 2026, he has called for significant demonstrations and seeks to resonate with his backers by drawing comparisons to figures such as Donald Trump. As Bolsonaro faces legal scrutiny and questions regarding his political future, his supporters remain adamant, advocating for changes in leadership and seeking amnesty for those associated with recent disturbances.
Original Source: www.france24.com
