Bolsonaro’s son confirms Brazil presidential run, decision ‘irreversible’
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Brazilian Senator Flavio Bolsonaro - son of jailed former leader Jair Bolsonaro - has confirmed his decision to run for president.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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SAO PAULO – Brazilian Senator Flavio Bolsonaro said on Dec 9 his decision to run for president in 2026 is “irreversible”, reaffirming he would challenge President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva after suggesting over the weekend he might step aside.
The lawmaker spoke to reporters after visiting his father, former right-wing president Jair Bolsonaro, who is serving a 27-year sentence
“I told him this candidacy is irreversible,” the younger Bolsonaro said. “And in his own words, ‘we will not turn back’. Now it is time to talk to people so we can have the right people on our side.”
The senator first announced on Dec 5 that his father backed him for a presidential run, jolting markets that had bet on a more seasoned, market-friendly candidate such as Sao Paulo Governor Tarcisio de Freitas consolidating support on the right.
Mr Freitas said on Dec 8 he would support Mr Flavio.
The lawmaker thanked Mr Freitas and said he understood the market reaction over “concerns” that Mr Lula could remain in office for another four years, while adding that his candidacy would now gain traction to challenge the leftist leader. REUTERS
