"The defeat of the far right is in our hands," says Elias Jabbour after Sunday's demonstrations.
Protests in several capital cities mark the return of the left to the streets and reinforce the discourse against amnesty and the "Shielding Constitutional Amendment" (PEC da Blindagem).
247 - The popular demonstrations held this Sunday (21) in different Brazilian capitals were highlighted by Professor Elias Jabbour in a publication on social media. He classified the day as “historic” and stressed that the acts, marked by the colors green and yellow and the presence of national flags, symbolize a reunion of the progressive field with the streets. According to Jabbour, “the defeat of the sell-out far-right is in our hands” and the mobilization must transform into political force for the 2026 elections.
In his post, the professor observed that sectors of the far-right still resort to symbols like the American flag and depend on the American president, Donald Trump. “They grovel for a silver bullet from Trump against us. We, on the other hand, have the task of being consistent,” he stated. For Jabbour, the priority is to consolidate a national movement in defense of sovereignty and democracy.
National mobilization
The demonstrations brought together tens of thousands of people in several capital cities, representing a milestone after years of right-wing dominance in the streets, especially since the rise of Jair Bolsonaro (PL). In Belo Horizonte, organizers estimated around 50 demonstrators in Raul Soares Square. In Brasília, district deputy Fábio Felix (Psol) estimated 30 people at the Museum of the Republic.
In Bahia, the protests began early with a sound truck led by singer Daniela Mercury, accompanied by actor Wagner Moura. “Here in Bahia, the far right doesn't thrive. Our democracy is ready to fight. No banditry, no amnesty, and no chaos,” declared Moura. Daniela Mercury and rapper Baco Exu do Blues also joined the chants against amnesty.
In Belém, actor Marco Nanini joined the demonstration in Praça da República. Meanwhile, in São Paulo, Avenida Paulista was filled with signs calling for Bolsonaro's arrest and an end to the so-called "PEC da Blindagem" (Proposed Constitutional Amendment on Protection).
Political shows and symbols
The demonstrations took on a cultural tone with artistic performances in various cities. In Rio de Janeiro, Caetano Veloso, Gilberto Gil, and Chico Buarque performed in Copacabana, while in Brasília the highlights were Djonga and Chico César.
Symbols and performances also marked the events. An inflatable doll representing Jair Bolsonaro with bloodied hands drew attention in São Paulo, alongside banners criticizing the amnesty granted to those convicted for the January 8 attacks. Posters also attacked Donald Trump, who recently imposed tariffs on Brazilian products.