Student Protests and Social Media Fueled Lula's Historic Brazilian Comeback

The Guardian · world

Student protests erupted across Brazil following the first round of presidential elections, significantly boosting Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's campaign. These organic demonstrations, alongside a surge in social media engagement, helped shift the mood from dismay to hope for a comeback. Lula himself credited the youth for defending democracy, stating their actions played a decisive role. This historic victory marked the first time a second-placed candidate overturned a first-round deficit in Brazil's democratic history, driven by a combination of street activism, digital reach, and government benefits.