With Brazil’s presidential election approaching, the issue of public security has moved to the forefront of the national conversation. The country has seen a marked increase in the influence of criminal gangs and militias, which has become a primary concern for the electorate.

Political candidates are currently navigating this climate of insecurity. Supporters of the far-right, including Flavio Bolsonaro, have utilized the rising violence as a focal point to challenge the current administration. Conversely, critics of the opposition argue that the narrative surrounding insecurity is being leveraged for political gain.

Rio de Janeiro serves as a critical case study for the national debate on security. The city, known for its high levels of violence, has become a testing ground for various public security policies. Residents are reportedly weighing these security concerns heavily as they prepare to cast their ballots, with many feeling the direct impact of gang activity in their daily lives. While the political debate remains intense, the core challenge for the next administration will be addressing the systemic grip that organized crime has established across various regions of the country.