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Flávio Bolsonaro holds rally on Avenida Paulista, criticizing Lula and Moraes
Flávio Bolsonaro, presidential candidate, gathered supporters at a rally in Avenida Paulista, focusing on criticisms of the judiciary and President Lula.
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Senator Flávio Bolsonaro (PL) held a political rally on Avenida Paulista in São Paulo on the afternoon of Monday, September 7. The event, which began with a prayer by Bishop Sônia Hernandes from the Renascer em Cristo church, attracted supporters who gathered starting at 1:30 PM, equipped with Brazilian flags and wearing yellow T-shirts. Participants chanted against President Lula and Supreme Federal Court Minister Alexandre de Moraes.
During the rally, Flávio Bolsonaro made a series of criticisms against the Supreme Federal Court, linking Moraes to the current president, a strategy that aims to associate the two in his campaign. The Secretary of Public Security reported that the Military Police and the Metropolitan Civil Guard intervened in clashes between Bolsonaro supporters and opponents in the area, using tear gas to disperse the dissenters.
According to estimates from the Political Debate Monitor at the University of São Paulo (USP), the rally reached an audience of 28,500 people at its peak, although with a margin of error of 12%. This count was made using aerial photographs and suggests that the number of demonstrators varied between 25,100 and 32,000 until 4:32 PM, the peak time of the event.
In addition to protesting against Lula and Moraes, the rally also reflected dissatisfaction with the judiciary, which has been a central theme in the criticisms from Bolsonaro and his supporters. During the protest, banners and slogans expressed discontent with the Supreme Court's decisions, especially regarding Flávio's father, Jair Bolsonaro, who is facing legal challenges.
The mobilization was closely monitored by security cameras and a significant presence of police forces, especially in areas where tensions were reported. Police intervention was documented in videos shared on social media, showing the moment tear gas was used to push back demonstrators attempting to access the gathering of Flávio Bolsonaro's supporters.
This event takes place in a fraught context, close to the presidential elections scheduled for October, with Flávio Bolsonaro seeking to solidify his support base in a polarized political environment.