Lula and Bolsonaro debate ahead of Brazil presidential runoff

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 19 Oct, 07:31 · Archive

Brazil's President Lula and Senator Flávio Bolsonaro debated for the first time on Sunday, a week before their 25 October runoff election.

Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Senator Flávio Bolsonaro faced off in their first debate on Sunday, a week before their 25 October runoff election for the country's top job. The two-hour broadcast on Band TV was tense, with the two candidates exchanging barbs, accusations and insults. Analysts who expected them to reach out to undecided voters were left disappointed, as their heated exchanges often included family members as a topic and were sometimes inaudible, with little discussion of their plans for the future.

Flávio Bolsonaro won the first round of voting with 47 per cent to Lula's 45 per cent. Recent polls suggest the two remain in a very close race. Lula is seeking his fourth nonconsecutive term. The winner will lead Latin America's biggest economy and a population of 214 million.

Bolsonaro said Brazil's economy will improve by removing Lula from office and fighting corruption, while the 80-year-old Lula defended his record and welfare initiatives. A Bolsonaro victory would increase U.S. influence in Latin America, as he is an ally of U.S. President Donald Trump. If Lula wins, Brazil will keep its distance from Washington and continue to deepen its relationship with China.

How it is being reported

• Brazil's Lula and Flávio Bolsonaro trade barbs in 1st debate only days before presidential runoffBrazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Senator Flávio Bolsonaro have faced off for the first time in a debate, only days before their Oct. 25 runoff election for the country’s top job.Clickorlando · 19 Oct, 04:29
• Brazil's Lula and Flávio Bolsonaro trade barbs in 1st debate only days before presidential runoffBrazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Senator Flávio Bolsonaro have faced off for the first time in a debate, only days before their Oct. 25 runoff election for the country’s top job.News4Jax · 19 Oct, 04:29

In this story: Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva · Flávio Bolsonaro · Jair Bolsonaro · Donald Trump · Brazil · Band TV

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