The key facts

  • The first face-to-face TV debate between Lula and Flavio Bolsonaro took place a week before the October 25 runoff
  • Bolsonaro finished nearly two points ahead of Lula in the first round
  • Tens of thousands of supporters of both candidates rallied in Sao Paulo, Rio and other cities

Face-to-face debate ahead of the runoff

Incumbent President of Brazil Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and senator Flavio Bolsonaro held their first face-to-face TV debate, which ended in heated altercations and mutual accusations. The debate took place a week before the presidential runoff scheduled for October 25. In the first round at the beginning of the month, Bolsonaro finished nearly two points ahead of Lula.

Topics and personal attacks

The main topics were the economy, public security, corruption and Brazil's relations with the US, after which the discussion turned to personal attacks. Bolsonaro criticized Lula over the cost of living, security and social spending, accusing him of irresponsible spending to secure re-election. Lula called Bolsonaro 'a habitual liar, a thug', alluding to his alleged ties with paramilitary groups in Rio de Janeiro, and said that 'lying is a strong point of the Bolsonaro family'. Bolsonaro in turn accused Lula of corruption, advising him to keep his distance 'so your wallet doesn't get stolen', and said: 'Brazil will send you into retirement'.

The US and the figure of Jair Bolsonaro

Lula touched on the senator's ties with US President Donald Trump, saying that 'it is striking how much the Bolsonaro family submits to American interests', and accused Bolsonaro of plotting to 'hand over' Brazil's rare-earth minerals to the US. The debate also mentioned the candidate's father — former president Jair Bolsonaro, who is serving a 27-year sentence under house arrest for an attempted coup after his failed bid for re-election in 2022.

Supporters' rallies

Before the debate, tens of thousands of supporters of both candidates took to the streets of Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and other cities. In Sao Paulo, Bolsonaro's supporters demanded the release of Jair Bolsonaro. In Rio, on Copacabana beach, Lula's supporters held a 'rally for democracy'; similar events took place in Brasilia and 16 other state capitals.

Next debate

The next presidential debate is scheduled for Friday, October 23. According to Deutsche Welle, Brazilian politics has remained increasingly polarized for nearly a decade.