Flavio Bolsonaro invokes ‘spiritual war’ at evangelical rally ahead of Brazil run-off
Brazilian presidential candidate Flavio Bolsonaro addressed thousands of evangelical worshippers in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday, describing Brazil's political climate as a “spiritual war” ahead of the October 25 presidential run-off.
The senator attended the centenary celebrations of the Assembly of God Ministry of Madureira at the Maracanazinho indoor arena, alongside prominent religious leaders and political figures, including Pastor Silas Malafaia, Bishop Samuel Ferreira and Rio de Janeiro governor-elect Douglas Ruas.
Speaking to the congregation, Bolsonaro accused his political opponents of spreading lies and portrayed the country's political divisions as part of a spiritual struggle.
“Facing this spiritual war that Brazil is going through at this moment is not easy,” he said.
Bolsonaro also linked his presidential ambitions to his religious beliefs, expressing faith in what he described as God's plan for Brazil.
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“I cling to what I believe is God's plan for our nation,” he told worshippers, adding that he hoped God's will would ultimately prevail.
The candidate also voiced support for his father, former President Jair Bolsonaro, who was sentenced to 27 years and three months in prison over a plot to overturn the 2022 election result.
“President Bolsonaro will be set free and Madureira will be there. Brazil will have a new president and Madureira will be there,” he declared.
The appearance forms part of Bolsonaro's efforts to consolidate evangelical support before his run-off contest against incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on October 25.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
