Brief
Lula says only he can stop rise of fascism as he leads Rio rally ahead of election
Lula framed his fourth‑term bid as a defence of democracy against a possible Bolsonaro‑family return.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva told a popular podcast on 2 October that he is the only thing standing between far‑right "fascists" and power, as he led a large rally through central Rio de Janeiro ahead of the first round of the 4 October presidential election.
Lula, 80, said on the Flow podcast, "If it weren’t for me standing up to these fascists they’d easily win another election. I’m the one standing in their way… It’s either me, or it’s barbarism." He added that his decision to seek a historic fourth term was driven by the belief that only he could prevent the family of his right‑wing rival, Flávio Bolsonaro, from returning to government.
The rally began at the Candelária church, a symbolic site where more than a million people gathered in 1984 to demand direct elections. Lula, who spoke at that historic protest as a young politician, said, "What’s at stake is not the victory of one man, it is the victory of an idea, it’s the victory of democracy." From there, supporters in red marched a mile south to Cinelândia, another landmark of Brazil’s pro‑democracy struggle, recalling the 1968 March of the Hundred Thousand.
After the march, Lula flew to Rio for what his team called a "victory march" between the two sites. He warned, "Either we consolidate democracy, or we will lose it," and added, "No gringo is going to lay a finger on Brazil’s things," referring to alleged U.S. interference favoring Bolsonaro.
Election‑eve polls suggest Lula holds a narrow lead over his main opponent, 45‑year‑old Flávio Bolsonaro, whose father, former president Jair Bolsonaro, is serving a 27‑year sentence for a failed coup attempt after losing the 2022 election. Critics fear a Bolsonaro victory could lead to the release of the former president and other coup plotters, and a rapid dismantling of democratic institutions.
Key facts
- Lula said he is the only barrier to far‑right forces in Brazil (theguardian.com)
- The rally started at the Candelária church and marched to Cinelândia (theguardian.com)
- Lula framed his fourth‑term bid as necessary to stop a Bolsonaro family return (theguardian.com)
- Polls show Lula with a slender lead over Flávio Bolsonaro ahead of the 4 Oct election (theguardian.com)
- Former president Jair Bolsonaro is serving a 27‑year sentence for a failed coup (theguardian.com)
Sources
- [1] theguardian.com — originally reported as “Brazil’s Lula says only he can stop rise of fascism under Bolsonaro’s son”
