Barroso was the object of a protest at the 59th Congress of the National Union of Students, which brought together some 10,000 students in Brasilia from last July 12th to 16th.

The magistrate proclaimed on the occasion that “We defeated censorship, we defeated torture, we defeated Bolsonarismo (followers of former President Jair Bolsonaro) in order to allow democracy and the free demonstration of all people.”

Barroso’s words were a reaction to a group of demonstrators who were protesting against his presence at the event. Some of the protesters also carried a banner that read: “Barroso: enemy of nursing and coordinator of the 2016 coup”, alluding to the coup that removed from power Dilma Rousseff, who was president at the time.

Questioned by the media about his words, Barroso replied that he was referring to a group of extremists who defend the end of democracy and protect dictatorships.

The leader of the opposition in the Chamber of Deputies, Carlos Jordy, said in statements that the leader of the Senate, Rodrigo Pacheco, will prevaricate and become “an accomplice of contempt for the Constitution” if he does not accept the destitution request against Barroso.

Once presented in the Senate, the demand may receive the signature of other congressmen. According to Jordy, 79 deputies and 11 senators reported that they will sign the petition.

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