In Brazil, Lula Faces Another Bolsonaro

Flávio Bolsonaro is moving to the center of Brazil's presidential race, with his father's blessing and his family name serving as both his main strength and his biggest obstacle. From a prison cell where he is serving a 27-year sentence for attempting to overturn his 2022 election defeat, former President Jair Bolsonaro tapped his eldest son late last year to carry his right-wing movement into this year's contest against President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, the Washington Post reports. Advisers wanted a different standard-bearer, arguing the Bolsonaro brand had become damaging after the pandemic, the former president's attacks on democratic institutions, and his conviction. Jair Bolsonaro decided instead that only a relative could be trusted with his principle goal: his release.

A 44-year-old senator and lawyer, Flávio Bolsonaro is trying to present himself as a more measured version of his father while keeping core positions intact. He defends Jair Bolsonaro's record, denies there was a coup attempt, has sought the impeachment of the Supreme Court justice who oversaw his father's case, and promises to pardon him if elected. He criticizes what he calls "radical environmental and woke" agendas and backs tougher crime policies, including lowering the age of criminal responsibility to 14. At the same time, he describes himself as more inclined to dialogue and aims to soften his tone to broaden his appeal, particularly among women and swing voters.

Recent polling shows a tightening race between Flávio and Lula, with both men carrying high rejection rates in a sharply polarized electorate. Lula's camp plans to tie his opponent directly to his father's presidency and highlight social programs for the poor. The age gap is an issue: Lula is 80. Bolsonaro has mocked him by comparing him with an old, poorly functioning car, per the AP. Lula counters that he is a "turbo car" and emphasizes workouts that are a hit with Brazilians. "He is doing this to steer away from the Joe Biden effect," said a political science professor in Sao Paulo. "Flávio Bolsonaro is trying to say he is actually the young one. This is a game of image."