Brazil’s Lula and Flávio Bolsonaro trade barbs in 1st debate only days before presidential runoff

Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Senator Flávio Bolsonaro engaged in their first presidential debate on Sunday, a mere days before the Oct. 25 runoff election for the nation's top position. The intense broadcast on Band TV, lasting roughly two hours, was filled with accusations, insults, and personal jabs. The candidates, who are historically positioned opponents, traded barbs and accused one another of corruption.

Despite analysts' expectations that they would focus on their future plans and appeal to undecided voters, the debate was predominantly focused on their personal histories. Flávio Bolsonaro, son of the late former President Jair Bolsonaro, narrowly won the first round of voting, garnering 47% of the votes, while Lula, seeking his fourth nonconsecutive term, is in a close contest with the incumbent.

The issues of family involvement and money laundering allegations were also highlighted during the heated exchanges. A second debate is set for Friday on TV Globo.