Original article: «El pueblo no quiere retroceder»: Lula lidera acto multitudinario en Río en vísperas de la segunda vuelta

«The People Don’t Want to Go Back»: Lula Leads Massive Rally in Rio Ahead of Presidential Runoff

Brazilian President and re-election candidate, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, spearheaded a large rally in Rio de Janeiro this Saturday, just before the second round of the presidential elections.

Hours ahead of the runoff, the Workers’ Party (PT) candidate gathered thousands of supporters, donned in red and showcasing a massive Brazilian flag, expressing confidence in his victory against far-right contender Flávio Bolsonaro.

«I am sure we will win the elections. Mark my words: tomorrow I will be elected president of the Republic once again,» the progressive leader told the press before embarking on a march along Copacabana beach.

Lula framed the election as a contest between differing political visions and reiterated the importance of defending democracy, human rights, and education as key platforms in his campaign, urging voters not to step back from social gains and demands.

«We will win the elections; the truth is that the people want change, but a better change, moving forward. The people do not want to go back,» he stated.

During the rally, the PT candidate, wearing a red cap emblazoned with his surname Silva, took jabs at far-right Flávio Bolsonaro, accusing him of being a «militiaman» in reference to his alleged ties to relatives of paramilitary groups in Rio.

He remarked that after a lifetime in politics, he never imagined contesting elections «against a liar, a militiaman, and someone as unqualified as this young man.»

Lula also referenced Bolsonaro’s defense of a military police officer accused of killing a five-year-old girl during an alleged operation against drug traffickers in Rio de Janeiro.

«Brazilian society does not want to go back. It will not accept someone who lacks sensitivity regarding the death of a five-year-old girl,» he highlighted.

«He has no commitment to any truth. He doesn’t know the difference between lies and truth. He lies with utter shamelessness, lacking any responsibility or feelings,» he said about the Liberal Party candidate and son of former president Jair Bolsonaro, who is currently under house arrest after being sentenced to 27 years in prison for attempting a coup in 2022 after losing the election to Lula.

The leader will later travel to São Paulo, the largest electoral district in the country, to finalize his campaign just hours before the runoff.

Bolsonaro’s Campaign at the Center of Controversy

Meanwhile, Flávio Bolsonaro headed to Belo Horizonte this Saturday, where he led a caravan accompanied by motorcyclists and supporters dressed in green and yellow.

Subsequently, the 45-year-old senator traveled to Rio de Janeiro to complete his final campaign day amid inquiries regarding allegations of money laundering, corruption, currency evasion, and his refusal to disclose his banking activities.

A total of 158 million Brazilians are called to the polls this Sunday to choose the next President of the Republic.

Featured image: AFP.