The student-led movement taking to the streets after President Lula da Silva was defeated in the first round of Brazil’s presidential elections Oct. 4, in defense of sovereignty and against opponent Flávio Bolsonaro’s vow to place Brazil under U.S. dictates, has now spread throughout the country after mammoth rallies in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo last week. Over the past two days, pro-Lula rallies have taken place in 11 other state capitals. Thirteen cities spread across the prominent state of Minas Gerais alone have rallies scheduled, with another 20-30 planned in other states. The second round of voting will occur Oct. 25, eleven days from now. Bolsonaro received 47% of the vote in the first round; Lula, 45%. Three right-wing minor candidates have urged their voters to vote for Bolsonaro in the final round.

The Brazilian Senate will be voting late Wednesday on a signature measure promoted by Lula’s government, to have a 5-day work week, rather than the current 6-day work week, embedded as the standard in the nation’s labor laws. Bolsonaro, who had opposed the measure, reversed direction on the eve of the vote, saying he would now vote for it. The measure was highly popular, and he feared political blow-back at a late stage in the elections. He similarly reversed direction in a debate with Lula. He originally said he would not participate in a debate scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 18. When Lula enthusiastically accepted, Flavio lamely said he’d only said “no” to draw Lula out, but had planned to participate all along.