Lula and Flávio Bolsonaro trade insults in Brazil presidential debate

O presidente Lula (PT) e o senador Flávio Bolsonaro (PL)

This combination of pictures created on October 4, 2026, shows Brazil's President and re-election candidate for the Workers' Party (PT) Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (R) speaks to the media after casting his vote during the presidential election at a polling station in Sao Bernardo do Campo, state of Sao Paulo, Brazil, on October 4, 2026; and Brazil's right-wing senator and presidential candidate for the Liberal Party (PL) Flavio Bolsonaro gives thumbs up in front of Rio de Janeiro gubernatorial candidate Douglas Ruas (C, back), as he leaves a polling station after voting during the presidential election in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on October 4, 2026. Polling stations closed in Brazil's first-round election on October 4, 2026, featuring a nail-biter presidential race between incumbent Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and right-wing senator Flavio Bolsonaro. (Photo by Pablo PORCIUNCULA and Mauro PIMENTEL / AFP)

Source: AFP

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Senator Flávio Bolsonaro exchanged insults and corruption accusations during their first televised debate ahead of the presidential run-off on 25 October.

The debate on Sunday was marked by clashes over crime, the cost of living and public spending. Lula called Bolsonaro a “habitual liar” and a “thug”, while Bolsonaro accused the president of corruption and joked that standing too close to him could put his wallet at risk.

The candidates also discussed public healthcare and the COVID-19 pandemic under the presidency of Flávio Bolsonaro’s father, Jair Bolsonaro. Flávio acknowledged shortcomings in his father’s handling of the crisis, saying: “I’ll offer a mea culpa here.”

The debate took place as both candidates sought to attract undecided voters ahead of the second round. Bolsonaro received 47% of the vote in the first round on 4 October, compared with Lula’s 45%.

A second televised debate is scheduled for 23 October, two days before Brazilians go to the polls.

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