Lula and Bolsonaro trade insults during debate: 'Liar,' 'thug'

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Senator Flávio Bolsonaro participated in their first televised debate on Sunday in São Paulo, one week before the October 25 presidential runoff election. The two-hour broadcast was marked by personal attacks and insults, with both men calling each other liars on multiple occasions. According to Free Malaysia Today, Bolsonaro paced behind Lula, smirking and scoffing, while Lula called Bolsonaro a "thug" and a "habitual liar," adding that he did not want to stand near a "militiaman" in reference to alleged ties to paramilitary groups in Rio de Janeiro.

The candidates sparred over several issues, including healthcare, public security, corruption, the economy, and Brazil’s relationship with the United States, as reported by both Le Monde English and Free Malaysia Today. Bolsonaro also made jabs regarding Lula’s period of imprisonment for corruption.

The debate follows a period of intense campaigning and large rallies. Malay Mail reports that tens of thousands of supporters gathered in cities across the country, including a rally in São Paulo for Flávio Bolsonaro. Bolsonaro, the 45-year-old son of former president Jair Bolsonaro, had previously secured a first-round lead earlier this month, according to both Free Malaysia Today and Malay Mail.

Brief written by urgent.news from Le Monde English, Winnipeg Free Press, Free Malaysia Today, Malay Mail — 4 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.