El bolsonarismo está vivo y coleando. Thousands of ultraderechists filled Paulista Avenue, in the heart of Brazil’s main economic and demographic hub, cheering for Jair Bolsonaro. From a makeshift stage, the former president rejected any claim of promoting a coup on January 8, 2023, saying he is the target of political and legal persecution and calling for amnesty for those facing charges for attacking the three branches of government. He argued that only those who caused the destruction should be punished.
The forceful display in Sao Paulo came just days after Bolsonaro was named the head of a “criminal organization” that aimed first to overturn the 2022 election won by Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, and later to remove him from office when victory proved elusive. The operation, named Tempus Veritatis and authorized by Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, enabled the Federal Police to search 33 homes and impose 48 precautionary measures affecting close civilian and military aides of the then-president. A 45-minute recording seized from Colonel Mauro Cid, Bolsonaro’s former chief of staff and currently a collaborator in the investigations, lends additional weight to the case. In the footage, Bolsonaro tells conspirators on July 22 that he will “go to the field with my army and my 23 ministers,” convinced that they cannot wait until 2023 to act.
But the former military officer downplayed the evidence. He criticized the media and rejected any plan to attack democratic institutions. “What is a coup? Tanks in the street, a conspiracy. None of this has happened in Brazil. Yet they keep at it again and again.”
Bolsonaro, who has been barred from holding public office until 2030 for casting doubt on the credibility of the 2022 elections, told supporters that Congress should pursue impeachment against Lula. He argued that although he has faced attacks, the current push is aimed at seeking “peace to erase the past.”
Ahead of October elections
The massive rally, dominated by green and yellow flags, but also flags in support of Israel, aimed not only to shore up the former president amid his legal battles but to give the far right a clear agenda heading into municipal elections scheduled for October. Bolsonaro predicted that the image of thousands of Bolsonaristas lining Avenida Paulista would “make headlines around the world” and show the public how emotionally they felt when singing the country’s anthem. He insisted that the gathering brought energy and hope that victory is possible. He spoke against socialism, communism, and gender ideology, emphasizing a defense of life from conception and a daily effort to defend it. He closed with a call for a president who has God in his heart, loves the flag, and respects the family.
Michelle Bolsonaro, the former first lady, added her own melodrama, tearfully describing the hardships faced by her husband and allies, who she praised as “good people.” She said the trials had renewed her faith in the Pentecostal church that has stood with them. “It hasn’t been easy, but we stand tall,” she stated, adding that God will provide help to bring the far right back to power. She also asked for a blessing for Israel, aligning with authorities amid ongoing tensions between Tel Aviv and Lula regarding the Middle East crisis. Lula had previously condemned Nazi extermination policies and cast Israel’s role in Gaza in a controversial light, straining diplomatic relations when Lula’s stance drew a strong reaction from Israel.
Also speaking was the governor of São Paulo, Tarcísio de Freitas, seen as a potential candidate in 2026 if Bolsonaro’s ban is not lifted. “We are here to celebrate the green and yellow, to celebrate love for our country, to celebrate the rule of law, and to understand the challenges we face.”
Evangelical pastor Silas Malafaia, organizer of the event, offered strong criticism of Justice Alexandre de Moraes. He labeled the Supreme Federal Court a site of “malicious engineering” and called the justice a “dictator in robes” who imposes heavy penalties on participants of the 8E protests. He noted that a woman wearing a Catholic crucifix who sat with the Senate president had received a 17-year sentence.