Lula and Bolsonaro Trade Personal Attacks in First TV Debate Before Brazil's Presidential Runoff
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and right-wing senator Flávio Bolsonaro traded personal attacks in their first televised debate on Sunday, a week before the presidential runoff. The vote takes place on 25 October, and polls show a very tight race.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and right-wing senator Flávio Bolsonaro held their first televised debate on Sunday, a week before the presidential runoff on 25 October. The two candidates repeatedly called each other liars and accused one another of corruption, reflecting the bitter tone of a campaign in a deeply polarised country.
Flávio Bolsonaro, 45, is the son of far-right former president Jair Bolsonaro. He unexpectedly finished ahead of Lula in the first round earlier this month, and polls forecast a close runoff. His lead narrowed slightly in two polls this week, which put him at 51% of voting intentions against 49% for Lula.
Personal attacks
The candidates clashed over the economy, public security, healthcare, corruption and Brazil's relations with the United States. Bolsonaro paced behind Lula within camera view, shook his head and smirked while his rival spoke, and told him: "Brazil is going to retire you." Lula called Bolsonaro "a habitual liar, a thug" and alluded to his alleged ties to paramilitary groups in Rio de Janeiro. Bolsonaro cited Lula's time in jail for corruption, on charges that were later annulled.
Lula, who is almost 81 and seeking a fourth term, at times struggled to contain his irritation and repeatedly urged viewers to "look it up on Google".
Economy and the US
Bolsonaro focused on the cost of living and insecurity and accused Lula of reckless spending to win re-election. Lula asked about Bolsonaro's plans to copy the drastic public spending cuts made by Argentine President Javier Milei, which led to higher unemployment. Bolsonaro dodged the question. Lula also criticised his rival's ties to US President Donald Trump and plans to "hand over" Brazil's rare earth minerals.
Corruption and abstention
Experts say perceptions of corruption may influence whether people vote at all more than which candidate they choose. In the first round, Bolsonaro received 2.2 million more votes than Lula.
