Bolsonaro’s son begins Brazil presidential bid with Netanyahu, Milei kudos

Flavio Bolsonaro formally initiated his Brazilian presidential campaign on Saturday, positioning himself as the right-wing challenger to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The event featured recorded endorsements from prominent international figures, including Argentine President Javier Milei and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who praised Bolsonaro as a champion of Brazil and defender against socialism.

Milei traveled to Brazil specifically for the occasion, delivering remarks that criticized Lula and expressed confidence in Bolsonaro's ability to steer the country away from socialist policies. Netanyahu's support came via video message, highlighting the friendship between Brazil and Israel. However, the campaign faces significant domestic challenges, with recent polls indicating Bolsonaro trails the incumbent president substantially.

The campaign has been hampered by limited attendance from prominent Brazilian politicians, particularly from centre-right parties that have maintained distance from the candidacy. Flavio's father, former president Jair Bolsonaro, currently serving a 27-year prison sentence for coup-related charges, participated only through an AI-generated video message. The campaign has also drawn criticism for perceived reliance on ties to the Trump administration, with observers characterizing such foreign engagement as inappropriate intervention in Brazilian affairs.

Additionally, Bolsonaro and his allies have faced scrutiny for repeating unsubstantiated claims regarding Brazil's electoral system integrity. Brazil's government denied visas to Trump administration officials seeking to meet with election authorities regarding election-related freedom of expression matters. President Lula's Workers Party is scheduled to hold its convention on August 2 to formally confirm his re-election bid.