The Fall of Bolsonaro
How Brazil’s Civil Society Mobilized to Protect Democracy
In 2019, Brazil saw the rise of Jair Bolsonaro—a former military officer turned authoritarian populist—who swept into power promising to restore order but quickly polarized Brazilians with his inflammatory rhetoric, anti-democratic tendencies, and policies that exacerbated social divides. Bolsonaro’s tenure was marked by his denial of COVID-19’s severity, disregard for the environment, and attacks on marginalized communities. But as his popularity began to slip, a massive mobilization against his presidency emerged, led by progressive social movements, Indigenous groups, environmental activists, and concerned citizens.
Key Players in the Fight for Democracy
Lula da Silva: The former president and leader of the Workers' Party came to embody the opposition to Bolsonaro’s rule. After a political comeback in 2021, Lula rallied diverse coalitions to oust Bolsonaro.
Progressive Social Movements: Labor unions, environmental groups, feminist organizations, and Indigenous rights groups unified under the banner of democracy, mobilizing nationwide resistance.
Judiciary and Electoral Institutions: Brazil’s Supreme Court and electoral authorities were instrumental in protecting election integrity, countering disinformation, and ensuring a fair process.
Timeline of Key Events
2021-2022: Bolsonaro’s popularity nosedived as the mishandling of COVID-19 left Brazil with one of the world’s highest death tolls. Economic policies increased inequality, disillusioning the working class and middle class.
Lula’s Return: After his corruption conviction was annulled in 2021, Lula quickly rebuilt his political base and forged a broad coalition with left-leaning and moderate groups to challenge Bolsonaro.
Mobilization of Social Movements: Through 2021 and 2022, civil society rallied in unprecedented numbers to counter Bolsonaro’s policies:
Deforestation of the Amazon: Bolsonaro’s policies worsened deforestation, sparking global outrage. Indigenous communities led large-scale protests, spotlighting Brazil’s environmental crisis.
COVID-19 Response: Bolsonaro’s anti-vaccine stance and pandemic denial fueled public anger. Health professionals and civil society condemned his disregard for public health.
Disinformation and Electoral Threats: Bolsonaro cast doubt on Brazil’s electronic voting system, creating fears of a possible power grab. Civil society, with help from international observers, closely monitored the election to prevent fraud.
First-Round Election (October 2022): Brazil’s election was polarizing. Though Lula led, the race was close enough to require a runoff, setting the stage for an intense final round.
Second-Round Election (October 2022): Lula defeated Bolsonaro by a narrow margin, with 50.9% of the vote to Bolsonaro’s 49.1%. This victory marked a significant rejection of Bolsonaro’s authoritarianism and a return to progressive leadership.
Tactics and Strategies That Made the Difference
Alliance Building: Lula’s coalition spanned from centrist moderates to social movements, creating a powerful bloc against Bolsonaro. This cross-ideological alliance was crucial in winning over undecided voters concerned about authoritarianism.
Mass Mobilization and Grassroots Organizing: Labor unions, environmental groups, feminists, and Indigenous organizations led the charge with rallies, protests, and grassroots campaigns, amplifying opposition and boosting voter turnout.
Legal and Institutional Defenses: Brazil’s judiciary and electoral authorities countered Bolsonaro’s attempts to discredit the election. Legal actions helped curb disinformation and safeguarded the election process.
Countering Disinformation: Civil society groups, journalists, and tech platforms fought back against disinformation, with fact-checkers and watchdogs debunking fake news about the elections, economy, and Bolsonaro’s policies.
Outcomes of the Anti-Bolsonaro Movement
Bolsonaro’s Defeat: In October 2022, Lula’s election victory ended Bolsonaro’s four-year rule, a significant win for democratic movements in Brazil.
Continued Polarization: Though Bolsonaro was ousted, the narrow margin of Lula’s victory revealed Brazil’s deep political divide. Bolsonaro’s supporters remained a powerful force, with some refusing to accept the results and raising concerns about unrest.
Democratic Resilience: Despite Bolsonaro’s attempts to undermine electoral integrity, Brazil’s democratic institutions held firm. The judiciary, civil society, and electoral authorities maintained the election’s integrity, ensuring a peaceful transition under intense conditions.
Lessons Learned in the Fight Against Authoritarianism
Broad Coalitions are Essential: Bolsonaro’s defeat demonstrated the power of building a coalition that includes not only left-wing groups but also moderates, centrists, and civil society. Bringing diverse voices together under a unified cause proved key.
Voter Mobilization is Key: Mass mobilization, especially among marginalized communities hit hardest by Bolsonaro’s policies, was instrumental in securing a democratic victory.
Protecting Democratic Institutions: Brazil’s judiciary and electoral bodies were crucial in resisting Bolsonaro’s attempts to subvert democracy. Their independence and commitment to democratic values played a decisive role in upholding the election’s integrity.
The Struggle Continues: The close election result and Bolsonaro’s lingering influence show that authoritarianism remains a significant threat. Defeating authoritarianism requires ongoing engagement from civil society, continuous mobilization, and a vigilant defense of democratic institutions.
Brazil’s response to Bolsonaro’s authoritarianism underscores that defending democracy is a collective effort. Lula’s victory wasn’t just a win for progressive politics—it was a testament to the resilience of Brazilian civil society and its commitment to democracy. But as the close results remind us, the fight for democracy requires constant vigilance. The movement’s success lies in the power of unity, mobilization, and institutional safeguards—a blueprint for resisting authoritarianism anywhere.