Brazil: Lula, Bolsonaro clash in heated presidential debate

In a contentious presidential debate, Brazilian incumbent Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and challenger Flavio Bolsonaro faced off on Sunday, a week before the October 25 runoff. The televised exchange saw the candidates trade insults and accusations on issues ranging from the economy to public security, eventually devolving into personal attacks.

Bolsonaro, who led the previous election round by nearly two points, criticized Lula over inflation, public security and social spending, alleging reckless expenditure to secure re-election. Lula, in turn, labeled Bolsonaro a "habitual liar" and a "thug," alleging ties to Rio de Janeiro's paramilitary groups. The debate also touched on Bolsonaro's alleged allegiance to US President Donald Trump, with Lula accusing the populist senator of conspiring to hand over Brazil's rare earth minerals to the US.

Flavio Bolsonaro's father, former President Jair Bolsonaro, is currently serving a 27-year sentence for a 2022 coup attempt. The next debate is scheduled for Friday, October 23, as tens of thousands of supporters of both candidates rallied across Brazil, flooding the streets of Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and other cities.