27.07.2026 00:30
Brazil's presidential elections to be held in October are set to be a historic political showdown. Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, the son of former leader Jair Bolsonaro, who was sentenced to 27 years in prison on coup charges, has emerged as a candidate to face Lula, aiming to avenge his father. "Bolsonaro's blood runs here," declared the young candidate as he took up the flag, preparing to settle his family's score.
In Brazil, the political arena is heating up ahead of the presidential elections scheduled for October. Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, son of former leader Jair Bolsonaro, who was sentenced to 27 years in prison on coup attempt charges, has declared his candidacy against Lula da Silva, vowing to avenge his father and hold those responsible for what happened to his family accountable.
OFFICIALLY NOMINATED
Flávio Bolsonaro, senator and son of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, was officially nominated as a presidential candidate at the Liberal Party congress held on Saturday. The younger Bolsonaro, preparing to challenge current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in the critical October elections, ignited a political reckoning in his speech.
"BOLSONARO'S BLOOD FLOWS HERE"
Taking the stage at the enthusiastic party congress in São Paulo, Flávio Bolsonaro sent a greeting to his father, who was sentenced to 27 years in prison after the 2022 electoral defeat. Building his narrative entirely around his father's grievances and "political revenge," Bolsonaro shouted to the crowd, "Bolsonaro's blood flows here."
The young candidate accused President Lula and the Brazilian Supreme Court of directly targeting his family, describing the upcoming election not just as a race for power, but as a struggle to restore his family's honor and determine the country's future.
SUPPORT MESSAGE FROM FATHER WITH AI-GENERATED VIDEO
Father Jair Bolsonaro, still under house arrest and banned from speaking publicly, offered symbolic support to his son through an AI-generated video at the event.
Taking on his father's legacy and entering a political confrontation, Flávio Bolsonaro is also seeking support from conservative leaders internationally. Having received open backing from Argentine President Javier Milei and a solidarity message from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the young candidate has his eyes set on further endorsements from allies of US President Donald Trump.
INTERNAL PARTY DISPUTES WILL CHALLENGE
Flávio Bolsonaro, launching his campaign with the slogan of his father's revenge, faces a highly turbulent election period. Without yet naming a running mate, Bolsonaro suffered his first setback with key party figures, including his stepmother Michelle Bolsonaro, absent from the congress.
FULL SUPPORT FROM ARGENTINE LEADER MILEI
Flávio Bolsonaro's political struggle also aims to ride the wave of the right-wing surge in South America. With the start of the election campaign, the first and most clear international support came from Argentine President Javier Milei, known for his radical rhetoric.
Milei, known for his tough stance against left-wing governments in the region, announced his open support for the younger Bolsonaro's candidacy, signaling the formation of a conservative bloc in South America. This move by Milei provided Flávio Bolsonaro, who set out to avenge his father, with critical legitimacy and morale on the international stage.
LULA TO ANNOUNCE ON AUGUST 2
Meanwhile, Bolsonaro, who has faced criticism over allegations that he sought money from an imprisoned banker to finance a film about his father and for seeking support from the US, is set to face rival Lula da Silva, who is expected to officially announce his candidacy for re-election at the age of 80 on August 2.