Pro-Bolsonaro demonstrations on Paulista Avenue

Pro-Bolsonaro demonstrations on Paulista Avenue on February 25, 2024 were a political act convened by former President Jair Bolsonaro (PL) amid investigations by the Federal Police (PF) about an alleged coup plot involving the former Mandanker and High military command. The declared objective of the event was to defend "the Democratic Rule of Law and Freedom" and counter the accusations against Bolsonaro.

The act was attended by about 2,000 military police, two electric trios, flags of Brazil and Israel, and political and religious leaders combined with Bolsonaro, such as the governor of São Paulo, Tarcísio de Freitas (Republicans), the mayor of Campo Grande, Adriane Lopes (Patriota), the mayor of São Paulo, Ricardo Nunes (MDB), Pastor Silas Malafaia, and the Senators Magno Malta (PL-ES) and Rogério Marinho (PL-RN). The demonstration was opened by former first lady Michelle Bolsonaro, who said a prayer and said a few words of support to her husband.

The speeches of the speakers were marked by compliments to Bolsonaro, criticism of former President Lula (PT) and the left, and defense of national sovereignty, the traditional family, and Christian values. Bolsonaro was the last to speak and spoke for about 40 minutes, with no time limit. He reaffirmed his innocence in the investigations, accused STF Minister Alexandre de Moraes of political persecution, and said he would not accept "fraud" in the 2024 elections, which he will compete for PL.

The demonstration was broadcast live by various media and social networks of Bolsonaro and his supporters. According to PM estimates, the act gathered about 100,000 people on Paulista Avenue, but there was no record of incidents or clashes with groups contrary to the former president. The demonstration was considered a Bolsonaro political force test, which seeks to recover his popularity and his electoral base after leaving office in January 2023, under pressure from protests, complaints, and court proceedings.