Lula and Flavio Bolsonaro Trade Attacks in First Runoff Debate
publishers 142articles 258first reported 25 Sep, 00:35 UTCdeveloping since 25 Sep · 31 editions
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Senator Flavio Bolsonaro traded personal attacks and corruption allegations on Sunday in their first face-to-face debate before the October 25 presidential runoff.
The candidates repeatedly called each other liars while clashing over the economy, public security, healthcare, government spending and Brazil’s relationship with the United States. Bolsonaro criticized Lula over the cost of living, crime and social measures he characterized as reckless election-year spending. Lula challenged Bolsonaro over possible cuts modeled on policies pursued by Argentine President Javier Milei and accused the Bolsonaro family of being “subservient to American interests.”
The debate also featured accusations involving both candidates’ families. Lula called his opponent a “habitual liar” and a “militiaman,” referring to alleged links to Rio de Janeiro paramilitary groups. Bolsonaro invoked Lula’s annulled corruption conviction and joked that keeping his distance would prevent his wallet from being stolen. He also acknowledged that Brazil’s response to COVID-19 had not produced the best results under his father, former President Jair Bolsonaro.
Flavio Bolsonaro finished nearly two percentage points ahead of Lula in the first round. Recent polls indicate that his lead has narrowed, with surveys placing him at 51% of valid votes to Lula’s 49%, within a technical tie.
Supporters of both candidates held rallies across Brazil ahead of the debate. A second debate is scheduled for October 23, two days before the runoff.
HOW THIS STORY WAS MADE
Written from 8 articles, 7 with the publisher's own text; 8 independent newsrooms once syndicated copies count as one; this version written 450 h after the record first saw the story; the editor kept it as written.
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- Source articles
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- Given to the writer
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- This version written
- 450 h after the record first saw the story
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