The demonstration called by several social and political movements against the President of Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro, brought together this Sunday in Lisbon several dozen people, in a protest action that was repeated in at least 50 cities in 23 countries.
In Praça do Rossio, a large black cloth with the message “Fora Bolsonaro” set the tone for the unanimously critical speeches of the Brazilian head of state, amidst some music that invited dancing steps by less timid protesters and songs of protest: “Doctor, I’m not mistaken / Bolsonaro is a militiaman”.
In addition to posters recalling activist Marielle Franco, shot dead in 2018, or the approximately 58,000 victims of the covid-19 pandemic in Brazil, there was also concern about the disease, present in masks on virtually all faces or on the pavement marks that signaled the necessary social distance. In the distance, on the other side of the road, some policemen controlled the small and peaceful demonstration.
One of the faces of the so-called “Ato Mundial Stop Bolsonaro” in Lisbon was Raphael Reis, a member of the Lisbon delegation of the Workers’ Party (PT). At the age of 35 and living in Portugal for about a year and a half, the economist warned of the “naturalization of the absurd” taking place in Brazil and stressed the impact that this international protest can have on Brazilian soil.
“We believe that the impact of international solidarity can be very great, because we know that democratic forces and the responsible press outside Brazil are able to contribute and positively interfere in Brazil. Today, the country is going through a very difficult time, with 58 thousand dead and a large number of infected [por covid-19]. We believe that this great act can bring greater clarity to the people who live in Brazil ”, he said.
Considering a mobilization somewhat below expectations due to the pandemic, the activist still counted on the support of several Portuguese groups and parties, namely the PCP and the Greens, and highlighted the link that unites the two countries.
“Portugal, due to its ties with Brazil, is showing solidarity. We have several Portuguese collectives and parties here that are concerned. We think it is [uma presença] important not only because of the language, but also because this voice that echoes here, also echoes in Europe ”, he noted.
Armed with a poster with the inscription “Fora Bozo”, Márcia Coimbra was one of the first to take part in the protest action at Rossio. At the age of 63, this former Brazilian teacher living in Portugal for about 16 years admitted to Lusa that she had not hesitated in the decision to come to the demonstration against Jair Bolsonaro.
“I left my quarantine today to come here and add my protest to the protest of all Brazilians who are in Brazil suffering, without work, for indigenous peoples, for the Amazon rainforest, for democratic institutions. We cannot continue with this government anymore ”, he stressed, confessing that he is still rooting for the creation of a process of destitution against the Brazilian leader.
Less active, but also present from the first hour, Valter Vilar, 50, considered that Brazil currently has “a genocide in power”, indifferent to the “almost 60,000 Brazilians who died” due to the new coronavirus.
Stressing that the main added value of the demonstration is “people’s awareness”, Valter Vilar defended that there is already “matter” to proceed with Bolsonaro’s dismissal, but expressed doubts about the feasibility of such a process.
“The problem is that there is not so much support in the chamber and in the senate. If you try an impeachment now, it might not pass and then it will be worse for whoever is there. What we talk about is the revocation of his ‘plate’ and maybe that is the way to go. It is undoubtedly a harmful government. Brazil has a history of ‘impeachments’. We have a young democracy and so many ‘impeachments’ that have already happened… I don’t know if this is the way ”, he stressed.
Accompanied by some friends, Lúcia Bessa, a 28-year-old Brazilian, explained the importance of showing people what is at stake with the presidency of Jair Bolsonaro and the current situation in Brazil, even for those who do not know the Brazilian political reality.
“It is important to get involved in the movement, even if you don’t understand politics. It was precisely because he did not get involved or felt that it was not necessary [Donald] Trump was elected and the Brazilian left let their guard down and elected Bolsonaro. Politics is a possible thing for everyone to make a difference ”, he declared, believing that“ in a way, Brazil is already living in a dictatorship ”.
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