Brazilian right-wing allies are preparing to use the national holiday of September 7, Independence Day, as a focal point for street demonstrations that combine a defense of Supreme Court Minister André Mendonça with criticism of Senate President Davi Alcolumbre, according to a report by CNN Brasil.
The mobilization comes as the Supreme Court faces what allies describe as a crisis, with particular focus on Minister Alexandre de Moraes. Protesters also intend to target President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Federal Police Director General Andrei Rodrigues, and Prosecutor General Paulo Gonet.
Allies of Flávio Bolsonaro, the PL party’s presidential candidate, acknowledge that September 7 had previously struggled to draw significant bolsonarist turnout. They now argue that the current STF crisis has given the date renewed relevance, re-engaging even those who had sought a more moderate stance.
Flávio Bolsonaro has publicly accused Alcolumbre of attempting to shield Moraes from Senate scrutiny, claiming the Senate president is resisting impeachment proceedings against the minister. Bolsonaro also links his own legal challenges in the “Master” case to what he describes as illegal actions taken in response to Mendonça’s revelations.
The protests will test the bolsonarist movement’s ability to mobilize in the streets at a time when Flávio Bolsonaro is simultaneously embroiled in campaign-related controversies.