The right is organizing a reception event for deputy Nikolas Ferreira (PL-MG) in Brasília this Sunday (25), and hopes to bring together thousands of people to pressure the STF (Supreme Federal Court) to change the former president’s closed prison regime.
Although the demonstration is scheduled to take place far from the Esplanada dos Ministérios, security at Palácio do Planalto was reinforced this Saturday (24). In the morning, the site was surrounded to prevent invasions.
The event will have the participation of pastor Silas Malafaia, but other prominent figures are expected to be left out. The former first lady, for example, should not go. Organizers plan to justify her absence by arguing that Michelle needs to focus on Bolsonaro’s daily care, including preparing meals.
In parallel, allies say that she will not participate to avoid friction with STF minister Alexandre de Moraes, with whom she spoke before Bolsonaro’s transfer from the PF (Federal Police) headquarters to Papudinha. At the meeting, Michelle appealed to the minister to authorize the former president’s house arrest.
Another point of attention is a possible remote participation by the senator, pre-candidate for President, who is in Israel. According to allies, he may speak briefly on the phone, depending on the development of his schedules and the time zone, which is five hours more compared to Brasília.
It has not yet been decided who will speak. In addition to Nikolas himself, the organizers are betting on the pastor, leader of the Assembly of God Victory in Christ, to try to enhance the event. Considered a religious guru of Bolsonarism, he has resisted Flávio’s candidacy and understands that Governor Tarcísio de Freitas (Republicanos-SP) is better able to defeat President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT).
Malafaia says that Nikolas is to be congratulated and “got it right”, which is why he insists on attending the end of the walk. “I’ll be there, of course.”
A good leader, according to the pastor, is like “the captain of a ship.” In the absence of Bolsonaro, “who is the greatest expression of the right in Latin America”, but he is in prison, Nikolas knew how to position himself, he says. “He has a gigantic capillarity, so there is no one better than him for this moment in which Bolsonaro is absent”, and “the people, outraged by this mess promoted by the Lula government, by Dias Toffoli, by Alexandre de Moraes, Banco Master and INSS”.
Malafaia says he coordinated the demonstrations for Bolsonaro at the former president’s request. Now, it’s Nikolas’ turn to take action. “Nothing better than a young, warrior guy, who is not afraid, has a huge social network.”
According to allies, the pastor is expected not to address Flávio Bolsonaro’s pre-candidacy, but people close to him highlight Malafaia’s unpredictable profile. This week, the split between Tarcísio’s group and the Bolsonaro family with the cancellation of the governor’s visit to the former president, who is imprisoned in Brasília. The gesture was understood as a refusal to accept Flávio as the definitive candidate.
The situation was resolved and a new visit was scheduled for January 29th, already authorized by the STF. After the understanding, Bolsonarist leaders came to Tarcísio’s defense, stating that he “has his word” and is trustworthy. The governor himself went to social media and recognized Flávio’s candidacy for President.
Advised by allies, Tarcísio will not participate in the demonstration. Interlocutors say that it is necessary to let the aftermath of the recent friction pass. According to people close to the organization, no invitations were issued to right-wing pre-candidates or political chiefs. The idea is to leave participation spontaneous, focusing on those who participated in the walk.
The demonstration
Deputy Nikolas Ferreira, digital leader of Bolsonarism, began a walk from Belo Horizonte to Brasília last Monday (19). This is a demonstration in defense of amnesty for Bolsonaro and those arrested on January 8th.
Along the way, Bolsonaro leaders joined the movement, such as deputies Carlos Jordy (PL-RJ), Luciano Zucco (PL-RS) and Rodrigo Valadares (União-SE), in addition to senator Magno Malta (PL-ES). There are reports of exhaustion among supporters. Former São Paulo councilor Fernando Holliday injured his knee.
According to people familiar with the organization, the event will take place in the afternoon at Praça do Cruzeiro, in the central region of Brasília, and should have a modest structure. There are no plans for sound cars or big screens.
The walk is expected to arrive in the late afternoon along BR-040 (Via Epia), close to the old Bus Station, following the climb to Eixo Monumental. Participants will be welcomed by federal deputy Bia Kicis (PL-DF), one of the event organizers.
