Flavio Bolsonaro, son of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, was confirmed on Saturday as the candidate of his father’s Liberal Party to challenge incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
“Bolsonaro’s blood flows here,” he declared at the party conference in Sao Paulo.
His father has been sentenced to 27 years in prison for plotting a coup following his defeat by Lula in the 2022 elections.
Brazil’s presidential election is scheduled to be held on October 4. If no candidate wins an absolute majority, voting will take place on October 25.
Miley and Netanyahu’s support
The younger Bolsonaro still lacks a running mate and centrist support, while the absence of key political figures at Saturday’s party conference highlighted his struggle to form an anti-Lula coalition before October.
However, he received support from Argentine President Javier Meili, who supported his bid for the presidency.
“I firmly believe that no one else is capable of eliminating the threat that Lula poses to Brazil,” said Miley, who attended the party conference.
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 American conservatives and the administration of Donald Trump. In May, she posted photos on social media taken in the Oval Office with the US President.
However, the Trump administration has imposed new tariffs of up to 37.5% on Brazilian exports.
A poll released Friday shows Lula would defeat Flavio Bolsonaro 48% to 43% in a possible runoff. A June poll showed Lula leading by 47% to 43%.
Lula’s leftist Workers’ Party (PT) is expected to formally nominate him as its candidate in August.
Edited by: Rana Taha
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