Lula and Bolsonaro trade insults in TV debate ahead of weekend presidential runoff
Corruption is a top concern for many Brazilian voters ahead of the weekend runoff vote but experts say its greatest impact may not be on which candidates voters choose, but on whether they decide to sit out of the election altogether.
Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and right-wing senator Flávio Bolsonaro engaged in a heated first TV debate ahead of a close presidential runoff election. The two candidates, who have been trading personal insults and accusations of corruption throughout the campaign, sparred over various issues including the economy, public security, healthcare, and Brazil's relationship with the United States.
Bolsonaro, the 45-year-old son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, led in initial polls and is currently in a tight race with Lula ahead of the October 25 runoff. The debate, which was conducted with cameras focused on Bolsonaro, saw the two men accuse each other of lying, corruption, and threatening Brazil's democracy. Despite Bolsonaro's recent lead in polls, Lula's campaign has accused him of reckless spending and called him a "habitual liar" and a "thug."
Both candidates have significant support and many Brazilians view them as corrupt, which could lead to lower voter turnout if voters feel disillusioned with both candidates.
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