Bolsonaro Calls on Brazilian Senate to Put a Stop to ‘Dictator’ Moraes

During a demonstration on São Paulo’s Avenida Paulista on September 7, Brazil's Independence Day, former President Jair Bolsonaro urged the Senate to “put a stop to” Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, labeling him a “dictator” who, according to Bolsonaro, is doing more harm to Brazil than current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

“We need to apply constitutional checks on those who exceed the limits of our Constitution. I hope the Senate puts a stop to Alexandre de Moraes, this dictator who is doing more harm to Brazil than even Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva,” Bolsonaro told thousands of supporters at the rally.

Bolsonaro’s speech was more direct in its criticism of Moraes compared to a similar event in February, where he focused more on national reconciliation and advocated for amnesty for those arrested after the January 8, 2023 protests, avoiding explicit attacks on Moraes.

This Saturday, however, Bolsonaro reiterated his defense of amnesty for the January 8 prisoners, referencing a bill introduced by Congressman Rodrigo Valadares, which is currently under review by the Constitution and Justice Committee in the Chamber of Deputies.

“We must, through amnesty, help those who have been unfairly convicted... We will deliver this amnesty once the bill passes, because only then can we begin to dream of national reconciliation,” Bolsonaro stated.

He also mentioned the possibility of reversing his electoral disqualification with support from Congress. “As for my eligibility—based on two absurd, baseless accusations—it will be restored sooner or later through efforts within Congress,” he added.

The September 7 rally, which drew thousands to Avenida Paulista, centered on calls for Moraes' impeachment. Several speakers, including Bolsonaro, stressed the need to pressure senators to initiate impeachment proceedings and raise international awareness about what they described as abuses by the Supreme Court justice.

Reference to Trump’s ‘Victory’ in the U.S.

Although Bolsonaro did not mention Elon Musk, the owner of X, he thanked Michael Shellenberger, the journalist behind the Brazilian version of the Twitter Files, for attending the rally. Earlier, Shellenberger had stated that by banning X in Brazil, “Lula and Moraes have revealed themselves as dictators.”

Bolsonaro also commented on the upcoming U.S. elections, asserting that Republican candidate Donald Trump would return to power. “This will send a message to tyrannies and dictators around the world, especially here in Brazil,” he said.