Lula and Flavio Bolsonaro trade accusations of lying and corruption in first runoff debate

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Senator Flavio Bolsonaro held their first debate of the runoff campaign on Sunday. The runoff vote is on 25 October.

The two candidates called each other liars and accused each other of corruption. They clashed over the economy, public security, healthcare and corruption. Brazil's ties to the United States were also debated.

Lula called Bolsonaro a "habitual liar" and a "thug" and referred to him as a "militiaman". France 24 and Al Jazeera described this as alluding to Bolsonaro's alleged ties to paramilitary groups in Rio de Janeiro. Bolsonaro said it was better to keep Lula at a distance "because my wallet could be stolen". He paced behind Lula throughout the debate, shaking his head, smirking and scoffing while Lula spoke.

Bolsonaro accused Lula of "reckless spending" to get re-elected, referring to social measures Lula announced during the campaign. Lula asked whether Bolsonaro planned to emulate the public spending cuts of Argentine President Javier Milei. Bolsonaro dodged the question and pivoted to other topics.

The race

Flavio Bolsonaro, 45, is the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro. The elder Bolsonaro is under house arrest, serving a 27-year sentence connected to efforts to overturn the result of the 2022 election, which he lost. Lula, 80, is seeking a fourth term. He was previously jailed for corruption, and the conviction was later annulled.

Flavio Bolsonaro finished the first round nearly two percentage points ahead. According to Al Jazeera, the 4 October vote ended 47 percent to 45 percent. Polls indicate a close race, with Bolsonaro slightly ahead and signs of narrowing. France 24 reported two polls this week showing 51 percent to 49 percent. The reports do not identify the pollsters or margins of error.

Other reported exchanges

According to France 24, Lula questioned Bolsonaro's ties to US President Donald Trump. According to Al Jazeera, Bolsonaro called Lula a "clown" and raised a potential corruption case involving one of Lula's sons. Al Jazeera also reported that Bolsonaro offered a "mea culpa" over his father's handling of COVID-19.

Al Jazeera reported that on Sunday, Brazil's federal police asked the Supreme Court to open an investigation into Flavio Bolsonaro over a money laundering accusation involving a lawyer close to him. The reports do not include a response from Bolsonaro.

Before the debate, supporters of both candidates gathered across Brazil. University of Sao Paulo monitors estimated about 71,000 people at a pro-Bolsonaro rally in Sao Paulo and some 56,000 at a pro-Lula rally on Copacabana Beach, according to France 24.

What each side says

France 24 quoted Lula as saying: "It is striking how the Bolsonaro family is subservient to American interests." Al Jazeera quoted him as saying his opponent "only knows about buses from books".

France 24 quoted Bolsonaro as telling Lula: "Brazil is going to retire you."

Analysis

The debate came with the race close and the first-round leader's edge narrowing in some polls. The reports do not include post-debate polling, so its effect on voters is unclear. Turnout could matter: according to Al Jazeera, about 33 million eligible voters did not vote in the first round. A second debate is scheduled for 23 October, according to Al Jazeera. A Supreme Court decision on the federal police request could also shape the final days. However, the reports do not indicate when such a decision might come. The reports also include no independent fact-check of either candidate's claims.

Produced by the Vocemundi newsroom with AI assistance.