Brazilians talk about Independence Day protests

World Today

 

The large Independence Day turnout for pro-government demonstrations is an important display of force for Jair Bolsonaro at a moment when the president is facing record low popularity ratings and growing political isolation.

The opposition also called for protests against Bolsonaro on this Independence Day but their turnout was smaller.

The multi-city demonstrations were mostly peaceful but ​political tensions here are ramping up as parties and politicians prepare to campaign for the 2022 presidential election.