Bolsonaro will face Lula da Silva in Brazil!
São Paulo, Jul 25 (EFE).-
The Liberal Party of Brazil (PL), led by the imprisoned former president Jair Bolsonaro (2019-2023), officially nominated his eldest son, Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, as its candidate for the October presidential election on Saturday.
“Flávio was chosen by his father to continue the project that has already been successful. You are the candidate on behalf of the country and of millions of Brazilians; may God illuminate your path,” said PL President Valdemar Costa Neto at the nomination ceremony, held inside the Pacaembu football stadium in São Paulo. Argentine President Javier Milei was scheduled to attend the event.
Flávio Bolsonaro, aged 45, will thus succeed his father, who has been disqualified and convicted for “leading” a coup plot after losing the 2022 election to the current president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Lula da Silva, aged 80, will run for re-election.
Before praising Flavio, Costa Neto recalled his father, describing him as the “greatest leader he has ever seen.” He also stated that it was “an honor” to welcome Argentine President Javier Milei, whom he held up as a role model for Flavio Bolsonaro.
“It is a joy to see what he is doing for the Argentine people,” the leader noted, praising Milei for restoring “confidence and prosperity” to the country.
During the ceremony, Flávio Bolsonaro, wearing a dark suit and a white shirt without a tie, listened to video messages from his brothers, Eduardo, who has gone into self-imposed exile in the United States after claiming to be the victim of judicial “persecution,” and Carlos.
A few hundred party members gathered at the convention, which took place in a venue inside the Pacaembu complex. Senators, deputies, and governors aligned with the Bolsonaro movement also attended.
2026’s election is shaping up to be another head-to-head contest between the progressive movement led by Lula, the top leader of the Workers’ Party (PT), and the far-right movement now embodied by Flávio Bolsonaro.
According to polls, Lula has a slight lead over Jair Bolsonaro’s eldest son.
The latest poll by Datafolha, released on Friday, showed Lula with 48% support, compared to Flávio Bolsonaro’s 43%.
A few months ago, the senator surpassed Lula; however, his momentum has slowed in recent weeks following a series of exchanges with his stepmother, Michelle Bolsonaro, with whom he has now reached a truce. Additionally, his connection to a banker jailed for massive financial fraud was revealed. EFE
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