Lula and Flávio Bolsonaro trade insults in Brazil's first run-off debate
The president and the former president's son called each other liars in a chaotic São Paulo debate, a week before the October 25 run-off.
At a glance
- Flávio Bolsonaro, 45, led the first round on October 4 with 47% to President Lula's 45%.
- The run-off is on Sunday, October 25, 2026; a second debate is set for October 23.
- In the October 18 debate, each called the other a liar and traded corruption accusations.
- Federal police have asked the Supreme Court to open a money-laundering probe linked to Flávio's circle.
Brazil's presidential race grew even more bitter on Sunday night, October 18, as President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and right-wing senator Flávio Bolsonaro met for their first head-to-head debate in São Paulo. Both had skipped earlier debates.
A close race
Flávio, 45, the son of former president Jair Bolsonaro, finished narrowly ahead in the first round on October 4 with 47% to Lula's 45%. About 33 million eligible voters — roughly one in five — stayed home. The 80-year-old Lula is seeking a fourth term. The run-off is on Sunday, October 25.
Personal attacks
The debate quickly turned personal. Lula called his opponent a "habitual liar", a "thug" and a "militiaman", alleging links to paramilitary groups in Rio de Janeiro. Flávio called Lula a "clown" and raised a possible corruption case involving one of Lula's sons. Lula pressed him to explain a corruption investigation involving his father; Flávio did not answer directly.
On the economy, Flávio accused Lula of reckless pre-election spending. Lula asked whether Flávio would copy the deep cuts of Argentina's Javier Milei, and the senator sidestepped the question. Flávio acknowledged his father's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic "did not produce the best results".
Legal clouds
Federal police have asked the Supreme Court to investigate a money-laundering accusation involving a lawyer close to Flávio, who is already under investigation over links to former banker Daniel Vorcaro. Jair Bolsonaro is under house arrest serving a 27-year sentence over efforts to overturn the 2022 election he lost to Lula. Lula himself spent 580 days in prison in 2018–19 on a corruption conviction that was later annulled.
The two meet again in a final debate on October 23.
Questions people are asking
When is Brazil's presidential run-off?
Sunday, October 25, 2026, between President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Senator Flávio Bolsonaro.
Who is Flávio Bolsonaro?
A right-wing senator and the Liberal Party's presidential candidate. He is the son of former president Jair Bolsonaro, who is under house arrest serving a 27-year sentence linked to efforts to overturn the 2022 election.
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