Lula campaign faces protests and police tension in Natal

During a political tour in Rio Grande do Norte, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva faced opposition protests in Natal. Federal Police agents approached demonstrators on the BR-101 highway, requesting they deflate an inflatable doll known as ‘Pixuleco’—a traditional symbol used to protest against the president. A Federal Police delegate suggested the object could constitute a crime against honor, though he noted that banners and signs were permitted.

Federal Deputy General Girão intervened during the encounter, questioning the police action and characterizing it as an attempt at censorship. The impasse was eventually resolved without the seizure of the doll, allowing the protest to continue.

In addition to the incident in Natal, Lula’s campaign activities include a scheduled rally in Bangu, Rio de Janeiro, supported by local leaders like Eduardo Paes. The president has also emphasized social inclusion in his speeches, framing the upcoming election as a choice between expanding rights and neglecting the needs of the poor. Meanwhile, political brigades have launched the ‘Sextou com Lula’ initiative, organizing nationwide grassroots mobilizations across 16 Brazilian capitals.