Brazil’s Bolsonaro, Lula spar in first debate as personal attacks fly

Brazil’s Senator Flavio Bolsonaro and President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva clashed in their first presidential debate on Sunday, just one week before the runoff election. Despite polls suggesting Bolsonaro was the favorite heading into the vote, a narrowing race had emerged. Lula expressed confidence in his ability to secure the second spot after finishing second in the first round and going on to win the election.

The debate saw the candidates exchange accusations of corruption and personal attacks. Lula accused Bolsonaro of having links to jailed banker Daniel Vorcaro, while Bolsonaro questioned Lula about his son's involvement in a pension fraud scandal. Bolsonaro labeled Lula as someone whose "DNA is very clear for lying," and vice versa.

Sunday marked the first debate between the two after they both declined earlier opportunities. A second debate is scheduled for October 23. Lula aimed to sway the 33 million voters who abstained from the first round, equal to about one in five eligible voters.

The heated exchange was further fueled by vocal frustration from the audience, with Bolsonaro often gesturing and pacing behind Lula during his turn to speak. Lula, visibly nervous, refused to stand near Bolsonaro, calling him a "militiaman" and implying a connection to paramilitary groups in Rio de Janeiro. Bolsonaro retorted that it was fortunate he left his wallet behind, likely referencing Lula's 2017 corruption conviction that was later annulled.

Both candidates reiterated their campaign promises on policy during the debate. Bolsonaro pledged to designate Brazil's major gangs and militias as narco-terrorist organizations and expand the prison system. Lula defended his economic record, emphasizing the importance of distributing wealth more evenly rather than concentrating it in the hands of a few. The debate also revolved around high food prices, tensions, and accusations of betraying national sovereignty.