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Lula and Bolsonaro’s mudslinging heats up ahead of weekend vote
France 24 • • world
Key Points:
- Brazil's presidential election features a fierce rivalry between Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Flavio Bolsonaro, marked by scandals, insults, and deep political polarization ahead of the first-round vote on Sunday.
- Polls indicate a tight race likely leading to a runoff on October 25, with many voters disenchanted and both candidates declining to participate in a televised debate.
- Campaign controversies include false rumors about Bolsonaro's intentions toward Brazil's patron saint and Lula's criticized comments on gender and health, fueling accusations and social media backlash.
- Lula, seeking a fourth term, highlights his achievements in reducing inflation, unemployment, and deforestation, while addressing social welfare and sovereignty; Bolsonaro emphasizes toughness on crime despite ongoing corruption investigations.
- Both candidates express confidence in winning outright, with Lula warning against foreign interference and Bolsonaro vowing to remove Lula from office.
