In a large rally on São Paulo’s Avenida Paulista, supporters of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva gathered on Sunday to back his campaign for a second term. The event, called the “Marcha por la democracia,” drew thousands of attendees, many wearing red, the color of the Workers’ Party (PT). Participants chanted slogans in favor of Lula and expressed opposition to his rivals, including the far‑right candidate Flávio Bolsonaro. The rally was the most attended gathering of Lula’s campaign since the first round of the presidential election on June 7, in which he finished second. According to EFE, no poll had predicted such a turnout. Lula used the occasion to urge voters who abstained in the first round—over 30 million people, including many seniors—to turn out on the upcoming election day, October 25. “We have a great responsibility; we cannot allow the thieves to govern again,” he told the crowd. Lula also highlighted a Senate proposal to reduce the workweek, a measure he said could help his campaign. The initiative contrasts with the liberal economic agenda promoted by Bolsonaro. Among the attendees were Margarida Porto, a retired metalworker and union activist, and her sister Ana. They said they had not received social assistance but had fought for those who did. Murilo de Oliveira, a 24‑year‑old data analyst, carried a banner reading “Brasil es nuestro.” He expressed concern about a potential rollback of LGBTQ rights and said he had persuaded his grandmother, who had abstained in the first round, to vote on October 25. While Lula’s supporters marched in São Paulo, Flávio Bolsonaro held meetings with mayors in the metropolitan area, which houses more than 20 million residents. The candidate is backed by Governor Tarcísio de Freitas and São Paulo Mayor Ricardo Nunes. Bolsonaro also secured a favorable court ruling from the Superior Electoral Court, which ordered the closure of a WhatsApp channel that had spread false information about him. The campaign continues as both candidates seek to mobilize new voters and strengthen their bases ahead of the second‑round election on October 25.
Article source: De Ultimo Minuto | Image credit: De Ultimo Minuto