At least 2,000 demonstrators, many of them wearing black clothing and red clown noses, gathered on São Paulo's Avenida Paulista. Similar protests took place in the capital Brasília, Rio de Janeiro and Curitiba. They carry banner saying "Lula, get out" and "He who has a mouth, boos Lula."
Corruption charges have brought down several government officials connected to President Lula in recent years. The recent protests come in the wake of Brazil's deadliest air accident, which killed 100 and is blamed by many on government inaction on dealing with the air traffic crisis in the country.
Last May, Energy Minister Silas Rondeau denied any wrongdoing but resigned after allegations linking him to a financial scandal involving public-works project.
In another case, the leader of Brazil's senate, Renan Calheiros, was accused of taking payoffs from a construction company. He has denied the allegations, and remains in office.
Separate accusations of political dirty tricks and illegal campaign spending forced Mr. da Silva to fire his campaign manager, Ricardo Berzoini, prior to the first round of last year's presidential election.
VoA