Brasilien: Bolsonaro gewinnt vor Stichwahl gegen Lula zahlreiche Unterstützer

Brazilian presidential candidate Flavio Bolsonaro has been amassing crucial supporters ahead of the decisive October 25th run-off election. Several centrist and right-leaning parties have now pledged their allegiance to him. Should Bolsonaro win the presidency, he could potentially forge a coalition with overwhelming majorities in both chambers of Congress.

The right-wing politician, eldest son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, had secured a narrow lead over incumbent Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in the first round of voting, despite consistently trailing in opinion polls. The run-off is scheduled for October 25th. The Brazilian Parliament is highly fragmented, with over twenty parties represented in Congress.

The victor must now forge several alliances to pass legislation. Among Bolsonaro's new supporters are the populist PP, Uniao Brasil, Republicanos, and Podemos parties, which had been politically neutral during the initial campaign. Some lawmakers from these parties once held influential positions in Lula's administration, including ministerial roles.

Additionally, defeated presidential candidates Romeu Zema, Ronaldo Caiado, and Augusto Cury have also backed Bolsonaro. "I am very pleased with this official support. This will allow us to rebuild Brazil," Bolsonaro stated during a recent press conference with lawmakers and representatives of allied parties. Investors are demanding reforms, with Bolsonaro's Liberal Party (PL) and its allies controlling more than 280 seats in the House of Representatives and up to 50 seats in the Senate, which would provide a secure majority in both chambers.

This support could be crucial for implementing Bolsonaro's requested market reforms and reshaping the Supreme Court. This backing could also be pivotal for Bolsonaro's plan to grant an amnesty to his father, former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is serving a 27-year sentence for plotting a coup after his 2022 election loss.