Flavio Bolsonaro, son of Brazil’s former President Jair Bolsonaro, was confirmed Saturday as his father’s Liberal Party candidate to challenge incumbent President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
“Bolsonaro’s blood flows here,” he declared at the party convention in Sao Paulo.
His father has been sentenced to 27 years in prison for plotting a coup following his loss to Lula in the 2022 election.
Brazil’s presidential election is scheduled to be held on October 4. If no candidate wins an outright majority, a runoff will take place on October 25.
Support from Milei and Netanyahu
The younger Bolsonaro still lacks a running mate and centrist backing, while the absence of major political figures at Saturday’s party convention highlighted his struggle to build an anti-Lula alliance before October.
He did, however, get support from Argentine President Javier Milei, who endorsed his bid for the presidency.
“I firmly believe there is no one else capable of putting an end to the Lula risk hanging over Brazil,” Milei, who attended the party convention, said.
Bolsonaro also showed a short video message of support from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Bolsonaro’s campaign faces challenges
He has also developed ties with US conservatives and Donald Trump’s administration. In May, he posted pictures he took in the Oval Office with the US president on social media.
The Trump administration has, however, since imposed new tariffs on Brazilian exports of up to 37.5%.
A poll released Friday shows Lula would defeat Flavio Bolsonaro in a potential runoff, 48% to 43%. A June survey showed Lula ahead 47% to 43%.
Lula’s left-wing Workers’ Party (PT) is expected to formally nominate him as its candidate in August.
Edited by: Rana Taha
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