Brazilian students mobilize to defend democracy

The National Union of Students (UNE) and the Geração 68 movement have issued calls for democratic defense in Brazil. The Geração 68 movement released a manifesto expressing solidarity with UNE and Brazilian youth, repudiating attempts to intimidate students and workers. The movement drew historical parallels to the military dictatorship, citing the 1964 burning of the UNE headquarters and the 1968 Ibiúna arrests to emphasize the necessity of protecting democratic freedoms.

UNE President Bianca Borges noted that recent political developments, including the first round of presidential elections, have mobilized a generation that views democracy as being at risk. Borges emphasized that while current events should not be automatically equated to the dictatorship era, the history of student movements—such as the 'Diretas Já' campaign and the 'caras-pintadas' movement—serves as a reminder that democracy requires continuous popular resistance. Key concerns cited by students include university funding, student assistance, science and technology, and social and labor rights.