Brazil election: thousands join anti-Bolsonaro march

Thousands of people joined a student march in downtown Rio de Janeiro on Wednesday to protest against election favorite Flavio Bolsonaro and the prospect of Brazil's far right returning to power.

The march came as campaigning began for the October 25 presidential runoff. Bolsonaro, 45, the son of former president Jair Bolsonaro, finished ahead of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in Sunday's first round.

Students and other protesters chanted “Never Again Bolsonaro” and called for votes for Lula. Some said they feared cuts to social programs, university funding and democratic protections if Flavio Bolsonaro wins.

Flavio Bolsonaro has promised major budget cuts and praised Argentine President Javier Milei's economic reforms. Protesters also raised concern about his plans to seek an amnesty for his father, who is serving a 27-year sentence for attempting a coup after losing the 2022 election.

Several other pro-democracy rallies are planned in the coming days.

Both candidates are adjusting their campaigns. Flavio Bolsonaro has focused on building coalitions and has promised to shrink the state, modernize the tax system and use the right's new strength in Congress to pursue constitutional reforms. Lula, who is almost 81 and seeking a fourth term, has increased his focus on social media, posting a video selfie on Wednesday for the first time.