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Brazil’s right-wing Liberal Party has formally nominated Senator Flavio Bolsonaro as its candidate for the October presidential election, placing the 45-year-old son of former president Jair Bolsonaro in a high-stakes contest against leftist incumbent Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
The nomination confirms Flavio Bolsonaro’s role as the political successor of his father, who has been sentenced to 27 years in prison over allegations of plotting a coup following his defeat to Lula in the 2022 election.
Speaking at the party convention in Sao Paulo, Flavio presented himself as a continuation of the Bolsonaro movement while attempting to draw a distinction between his leadership style and that of his father.
“I may be calmer, more cheerful, more composed and more moderate, but Bolsonaro blood flows here!” he told supporters, touching his arm as the crowd cheered.
He also warned that Brazil could face a threat to democracy if Lula secures another term, saying the country “could take giant strides toward a dictatorship” under the current president.
Argentina’s President Javier Milei, who attended the convention to support Flavio, backed the senator’s campaign and criticised Lula’s leadership.
“I firmly believe there is no one else capable of putting an end to the Lula risk hanging over Brazil,” Milei said.
Supporters wearing Brazil national football team jerseys filled a warehouse beside Sao Paulo’s Pacaembu Stadium, waving flags and chanting in support of the Bolsonaro family. Fernando Moeno, a retired military police officer, said many supporters still preferred Jair Bolsonaro but viewed his son as the strongest alternative.
“We would have liked our candidate to be Jair Bolsonaro, but today Flavio is the best choice,” Moeno told AFP.
Flavio became emotional while referencing his father, who appeared through an AI-generated video after courts restricted his ability to make political statements while serving his sentence under house arrest.
The senator has promised tougher action on crime and rising living costs, but his campaign has struggled following a series of controversies. Recent setbacks include allegations involving disgraced banker Daniel Vorcaro, a public dispute with his stepmother Michelle Bolsonaro, and criticism linked to new US tariffs imposed on Brazil.
A Datafolha poll published on Friday showed Lula leading Flavio Bolsonaro in a potential runoff, with the incumbent receiving 48 per cent support compared with Bolsonaro’s 43 per cent.
Flavio’s campaign has also faced challenges in building support among centrist political groups, with several influential parties choosing not to endorse a candidate.
As the October 4 election approaches, the senator is seeking to unite Brazil’s right-wing voters while carrying forward his family’s political legacy and challenging Lula’s bid for another term.
