Protesters in Brazil demand Bolsonaro's impeachment
Issued on: 02/10/2021
Issued on: 02/10/2021
Hundreds of demonstrators take part in a protest against Brazilian President
Jair Bolsonaro, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on October 2, 2021
NELSON ALMEIDA AFP
Rio de Janeiro (AFP)
Tens of thousands of Brazilians took to the streets around the country Saturday, once again calling for the ouster of unpopular President Jair Bolsonaro over his handling of the coronavirus pandemic, among other issues.
Large crowds gathered in Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Brasilia and dozens of other towns and cities as part of the "Bolsonaro Out National Campaign," which is backed by a dozen left-wing political parties and labor groups.
Among other issues, the right-wing president has come under stinging criticism for his handling of the pandemic, which has claimed nearly 600,000 lives here.
Hundreds of people marched through the central Rio de Janeiro neighborhood of Candelaria, shouting "Bolsonaro out!" which was also emblazoned on several large banners.
"We're going to get him out. The hope of the people here in the streets is to put pressure on legislators so that they call for impeachment," 69-year-old retired professor Elizabeth Simoes told AFP.
More than 100 requests for the impeachment of Bolsonaro have been filed with the Chamber of Deputies, but its leader Arthur Lira, a government ally, has refused to take any of them up.
The Supreme Court has ordered several investigations into Bolsonaro and his aides, including for spreading false information.
Rio de Janeiro (AFP)
Tens of thousands of Brazilians took to the streets around the country Saturday, once again calling for the ouster of unpopular President Jair Bolsonaro over his handling of the coronavirus pandemic, among other issues.
Large crowds gathered in Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Brasilia and dozens of other towns and cities as part of the "Bolsonaro Out National Campaign," which is backed by a dozen left-wing political parties and labor groups.
Among other issues, the right-wing president has come under stinging criticism for his handling of the pandemic, which has claimed nearly 600,000 lives here.
Hundreds of people marched through the central Rio de Janeiro neighborhood of Candelaria, shouting "Bolsonaro out!" which was also emblazoned on several large banners.
"We're going to get him out. The hope of the people here in the streets is to put pressure on legislators so that they call for impeachment," 69-year-old retired professor Elizabeth Simoes told AFP.
More than 100 requests for the impeachment of Bolsonaro have been filed with the Chamber of Deputies, but its leader Arthur Lira, a government ally, has refused to take any of them up.
The Supreme Court has ordered several investigations into Bolsonaro and his aides, including for spreading false information.
Large crowds gathered in Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo (pictured), Brasilia and more than 160 other towns and cities as part of the "Bolsonaro Out National Campaign," which is backed by a dozen left-wing political parties and labor groups
NELSON ALMEIDA AFP
In Sao Paulo, tens of thousands of people gathered Saturday afternoon on the central Paulista Avenue. Meanwhile, hundreds of demonstrators gathered along the Esplanade of Ministries in Brasilia.
Local media counted protests in 20 of Brazil's 27 states, and in 60 cities, including 14 state capitals.
Red flags of the Workers' Party of former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, or Lula, could be seen Saturday, along with Brazilian flags and the signs of several other left-wing and centrist parties often seen at protests against the far-right Bolsonaro.
- 'Can't stand this government' -
In recent months, protests led by leftist movements have demanded Bolsonaro's impeachment due to his mismanagement of the pandemic. But Saturday's demonstrations were also against a hike in food and fuel prices, as well as for relief for the 14.1 million unemployed people throughout the country.
"The population is going hungry, and we can't stand this government any longer," said Isadora Lessa, 22, in Rio.
"What is the importance of being here? That he knows he doesn't have unanimity, that he's going to have a hard time getting elected again," said Marcelo Werneck, who joined the protests in Rio in memory of the "friends and family" who died of Covid-19.
In Sao Paulo, tens of thousands of people gathered Saturday afternoon on the central Paulista Avenue. Meanwhile, hundreds of demonstrators gathered along the Esplanade of Ministries in Brasilia.
Local media counted protests in 20 of Brazil's 27 states, and in 60 cities, including 14 state capitals.
Red flags of the Workers' Party of former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, or Lula, could be seen Saturday, along with Brazilian flags and the signs of several other left-wing and centrist parties often seen at protests against the far-right Bolsonaro.
- 'Can't stand this government' -
In recent months, protests led by leftist movements have demanded Bolsonaro's impeachment due to his mismanagement of the pandemic. But Saturday's demonstrations were also against a hike in food and fuel prices, as well as for relief for the 14.1 million unemployed people throughout the country.
"The population is going hungry, and we can't stand this government any longer," said Isadora Lessa, 22, in Rio.
"What is the importance of being here? That he knows he doesn't have unanimity, that he's going to have a hard time getting elected again," said Marcelo Werneck, who joined the protests in Rio in memory of the "friends and family" who died of Covid-19.
A demonstrator passes by a banner reading "Genocide out" during a protest against Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on October 2, 2021
NELSON ALMEIDA AFP
"If he doesn't face an impeachment, he loses the election in 2022," Werneck added.
Besieged by judicial investigations and the economic crisis, Bolsonaro's popularity has plummeted in recent months to 22 percent, its lowest level since he took office in January 2019.
But backers of the president have also made themselves known in recent weeks, as around 125,000 of them gathered in Brasilia and Sao Paulo September 7 in a show of support for Bolsonaro.
A mid-September opinion poll by the Datafolha Institute found that Bolsonaro has 26 percent support compared with Lula's 44 percent, just one year ahead of the presidential vote.
© 2021 AFP
"If he doesn't face an impeachment, he loses the election in 2022," Werneck added.
Besieged by judicial investigations and the economic crisis, Bolsonaro's popularity has plummeted in recent months to 22 percent, its lowest level since he took office in January 2019.
But backers of the president have also made themselves known in recent weeks, as around 125,000 of them gathered in Brasilia and Sao Paulo September 7 in a show of support for Bolsonaro.
A mid-September opinion poll by the Datafolha Institute found that Bolsonaro has 26 percent support compared with Lula's 44 percent, just one year ahead of the presidential vote.
© 2021 AFP
In photos: Thousands of Brazilian protesters demand Bolsonaro's impeachment
Rebecca Falconer
Sat, October 2, 2021
Tens of thousands of protesters marched in cities across Brazil Saturday, calling for President Jair Bolsonaro's impeachment over his government's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, per Reuters.
Why it matters: Brazil's Senate is holding hearings that could lead to Bolsonaro's impeachment as the country's Supreme Court probes his government’s handling of vaccine contracts. Bolsonaro has threatened to reject the results of Brazil's October 2022 presidential election amid poor approval ratings.
Demonstrators hold flags and chant slogans as part of protests against Bolsonaro in Rio de Janeiro. Many of those protesting across the country have ties to the party of former President Luiz Inácio Lula da, a favorite to win the 2022 elections, AP notes. Silva Photo by Getty Images
Demonstrators take part in a protest against Bolsonaro's government in Brasília Oct. 2. Protesters have also been marching to highlight inflation and high fuel prices, according to Reuters. Photo: Mateus Bonomi/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
An image of Bolsonaro is burnt during a São Paulo protest Oct. 2. Bolsonaro has repeatedly played down the pandemic and been fined for flouting a state government mask mandate. Photo: Nelson Almeida/AFP via Getty Images
Protesters with crosses at an anti-Bolsonaro demonstration in Rio de Janeiro on Oct. 2. About 597,000 have died of COVID-19 in Brazil, AP reports. Photo: Getty Images
Rebecca Falconer
Sat, October 2, 2021
Tens of thousands of protesters marched in cities across Brazil Saturday, calling for President Jair Bolsonaro's impeachment over his government's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, per Reuters.
Why it matters: Brazil's Senate is holding hearings that could lead to Bolsonaro's impeachment as the country's Supreme Court probes his government’s handling of vaccine contracts. Bolsonaro has threatened to reject the results of Brazil's October 2022 presidential election amid poor approval ratings.
Demonstrators hold flags and chant slogans as part of protests against Bolsonaro in Rio de Janeiro. Many of those protesting across the country have ties to the party of former President Luiz Inácio Lula da, a favorite to win the 2022 elections, AP notes. Silva Photo by Getty Images
Demonstrators take part in a protest against Bolsonaro's government in Brasília Oct. 2. Protesters have also been marching to highlight inflation and high fuel prices, according to Reuters. Photo: Mateus Bonomi/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
An image of Bolsonaro is burnt during a São Paulo protest Oct. 2. Bolsonaro has repeatedly played down the pandemic and been fined for flouting a state government mask mandate. Photo: Nelson Almeida/AFP via Getty Images
Protesters with crosses at an anti-Bolsonaro demonstration in Rio de Janeiro on Oct. 2. About 597,000 have died of COVID-19 in Brazil, AP reports. Photo: Getty Images
Sat, October 2, 2021
SAO PAULO/RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) - Brazilian demonstrators gathered in several state capitals on Saturday to protest against the federal government and call for the impeachment of President Jair Bolsonaro.
Presidential hopeful Ciro Gomes took part in the protest in Rio de Janeiro and was also expected at the demonstration in São Paulo, according to local media.
Former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, whom polls show ahead of Bolsonaro in a simulated 2022 matchup, did not attend the protests.
In addition to criticizing right-wing Bolsonaro and his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrators also protested inflation and high fuel prices.
In Rio de Janeiro, the protest brought together hundreds of people, with the support of trade unions and left-wing parties. One group brought a huge inflatable gas canister bearing the inscription: "Is it expensive? It's Bolsonaro's fault."
Saturday's demonstrations were a response to a rally of Bolsonaro supporters on Sept. 7. Protesters also gathered in the central region's capital of São Paulo and in northern state capitals such as Recife and Belém.
The protests against the president brought together center-left parties, trade unions and social movements, marking an attempt by the opposition to show unity.
According to the organizers, the demonstrations took place in more than 200 cities across the country.
(Reporting by Aluísio Alves in São Paulo, Rodrigo Viga Gaier in Rio de Janeiro and Lisandra Paraguassu in Brasília; Writing by Ana Mano; Editing by Sandra Maler)
Brazilians demonstrate against BolsonaroDemonstrators protest against far-right President Jair Bolsonaro's administration in Sao Paulo
Thousands in Brazil protest Bolsonaro, seek his impeachment
October 2, 2021, 3:34 PM·2 min read
RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — With Brazil’s presidential election one year away, tens of thousands of demonstrators marched Saturday in Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo and dozens of other cities around the country to protest President Jair Bolsonaro and call for his impeachment over his government’s handling of the pandemic.
The protests, smaller than those in support of Bolsonaro last Sept. 7, were promoted by leftist parties and some union movements linked to the former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s Worker´s Party. Da Silva is widely expected to run against Bolsonaro in Brazil's Oct. 2, 2022 presidential election.
Saturday’s protest targeted the president for his mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Bolsonaro, who is not vaccinated and doesn’t usually wear a mask, has underestimated the severity of the virus and promoted crowds during the pandemic. Some 597,000 have died of COVID-19 in Brazil, a country of 212 million people. Demonstrators also protested surging inflation in mainstays like food and electricity.
“It is very painful to see that health and education are being destroyed, and there are many starving people in the country,” Marilena Magnano, a 75-year-old retiree, told The Associated Press. “We need Bolsonaro out of the government, his time has passed”.
The president’s approval ratings have steadily declined throughout the year, but he remains far more popular than prior presidents who were impeached - most recently Dilma Rousseff of the Workers Party in 2016.
Over 130 impeachment requests have been filed since the start of Bolsonaro’s administration, but the lower house’s speaker, Arthur Lira, and his predecessor have declined to open proceedings. Division among the opposition is the key reason analysts consider it unlikely there will be enough pressure on Lira to open impeachment process.
RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — With Brazil’s presidential election one year away, tens of thousands of demonstrators marched Saturday in Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo and dozens of other cities around the country to protest President Jair Bolsonaro and call for his impeachment over his government’s handling of the pandemic.
The protests, smaller than those in support of Bolsonaro last Sept. 7, were promoted by leftist parties and some union movements linked to the former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s Worker´s Party. Da Silva is widely expected to run against Bolsonaro in Brazil's Oct. 2, 2022 presidential election.
Saturday’s protest targeted the president for his mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Bolsonaro, who is not vaccinated and doesn’t usually wear a mask, has underestimated the severity of the virus and promoted crowds during the pandemic. Some 597,000 have died of COVID-19 in Brazil, a country of 212 million people. Demonstrators also protested surging inflation in mainstays like food and electricity.
“It is very painful to see that health and education are being destroyed, and there are many starving people in the country,” Marilena Magnano, a 75-year-old retiree, told The Associated Press. “We need Bolsonaro out of the government, his time has passed”.
The president’s approval ratings have steadily declined throughout the year, but he remains far more popular than prior presidents who were impeached - most recently Dilma Rousseff of the Workers Party in 2016.
Over 130 impeachment requests have been filed since the start of Bolsonaro’s administration, but the lower house’s speaker, Arthur Lira, and his predecessor have declined to open proceedings. Division among the opposition is the key reason analysts consider it unlikely there will be enough pressure on Lira to open impeachment process.
APTOPIX Virus Outbreak Brazil ProtestDemonstrators rally alongside a large inflatable doll depicting Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro as the Grim Reaper, during a protest against him, calling for his impeachment over his government handling of the pandemic and accusations of corruption in the purchases of COVID-19 vaccines in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021.
AP Photo/Andre Penner
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