Mass protests erupt in São Paulo, Brazil, over government’s closure of social media platform X

Mass protests took place in São Paulo, Brazil, over the weekend, focusing on the government’s closure of the social media platform X, previously known as Twitter. Analysts suggest these protests are indicative of a larger power struggle in Brazilian politics.

Luciano Dutra, a resident of Brazil, commented on the protests, stating, “This is purely high politics. […] These demonstrations are much broader than just the temporary suspension of X.” The closure of the platform initiated earlier this month by Brazilian authorities has sparked considerable unrest.

The radio program “This Goes On” features discussions on these protests, including insights from Dutra, who has lived intermittently in Brazil since 2002, and Hólmfríður Garðarsdóttir, a professor of Spanish. Garðarsdóttir noted significant polarization within Brazilian politics, which is reflected in the protests. Former president Jair Bolsonaro participated in the demonstrations while the current president, Lula da Silva, attended a military parade in the capital.

Garðarsdóttir explained the political landscape, highlighting the stark division between traditional right and left factions, with Bolsonaro representing the far right and Lula, a labor leader, symbolizing the left. She added, “The situation is such that Lula and the Brazilian government occupy one side of this debate, whereas Jair Bolsonaro and Elon Musk stand on the other.” She expressed concerns regarding Musk’s increasing political influence, suggesting that he is becoming a powerful actor in the region’s political dynamics.

The full discussion can be accessed through the program’s dedicated link.