Lula and Flavio Bolsonaro trade economic jabs in Rio de Janeiro
New polling data shows a perfect tie as the two presidential candidates enter the final 48 hours of Brazil's runoff campaign.
By Eduardo Salazar ·
Brazilian voters face a completely deadlocked choice two days before the presidential runoff. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Senator Flavio Bolsonaro held their final face-off in Rio de Janeiro on Friday. The debate marked the end of a campaign that has swung sharply in recent weeks. Both men prepared for a vote that appears statistically too close to call.
A survey by the Datafolha institute published on Thursday places the candidates level at 50 percent each. This result erases a four-point lead Bolsonaro held in polls released two weeks earlier. The earlier advantage stemmed from Bolsonaro finishing first in the October 4 opening round with 47 percent of the vote, while Lula captured 45 percent. The new data suggests the electorate has shifted to a precise midpoint.
The candidates focused their arguments on fiscal policy and the cost of living. Lula criticized his opponent’s plan to cut public spending, comparing the strategy to the approach of Argentine President Javier Milei. Bolsonaro countered by arguing that Lula is leaving the country in a bankrupt state. He stated that he would face the same challenges as Milei because of the incumbent's financial management.
Personal attacks punctuated the policy discussion. Bolsonaro, the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, accused Lula of allowing organized crime to expand and pushing families into debt. Lula responded by questioning his rival's background. He said Bolsonaro does not know what hunger is and does not know Brazil. Bolsonaro maintained that he is a capable candidate dedicated to change.
Tensions rose when Bolsonaro used the nickname Nine Fingers for the 80-year-old president. The term references a workplace accident Lula suffered as a metalworker. Lula demanded an apology, which Bolsonaro provided. The president then labeled his rival a vigilante, citing allegations of ties to paramilitary groups in Rio. Bolsonaro described those groups as narcoterrorists.
Another heated moment involved a shootout in which a five-year-old child died. The incident included a police officer whose lawyer is Bolsonaro. The candidate stated he does not believe his client was guilty. The mother of the deceased child was present during the exchange.
The debate was broadcast on TV Globo and appeared more diplomatic than the first meeting between the rivals. Both candidates are scheduled to join supporters in the streets of Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo for a final campaign push. The vote takes place on Sunday.
Source: Al Jazeera
