Lula and Bolsonaro clash in bitter Brazilian presidential debate

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 19 Oct, 05:43 · Archive

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and right-wing Senator Flavio Bolsonaro held a chaotic first debate on Sunday, a week before the closely contested presidential runoff on 25 October. The two men repeatedly called each other liars, accused each other of corruption and dragged up various scandals. They clashed over issues including the economy, public security, healthcare and Brazil's international ties.

Lula, 80, called Bolsonaro 'a habitual liar, a thug' and referred to him as a 'militiaman', alluding to Bolsonaro's alleged ties to Rio de Janeiro's paramilitary groups. Bolsonaro, the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, paced behind Lula throughout the debate, shaking his head, smirking and scoffing as his adversary spoke. He told Lula 'Brazil is going to retire you' and called him 'a clown'.

Bolsonaro secured a first-round lead with 47 per cent of the vote to Lula's 45 per cent. He attacked Lula over the cost of living and crime, accusing him of 'reckless spending' to fund social measures announced during the campaign. Lula pressed Bolsonaro about plans to implement drastic public spending cuts similar to those of Argentina's president, Javier Milei, but Bolsonaro did not answer the question directly.

How it is being reported

• Brazil: Lula, Bolsonaro clash in heated presidential debateThe candidates traded barbs, including over Bolsonaro's ties to US President Donald Trump in their first debate, days before the October 25 election runoff.DW News · 19 Oct, 07:01
• Lula and Bolsonaro spar in Brazil’s fiery first presidential run-off debateBrazil's president and his opponent lob a barrage of attacks on each other in debate a week before the October 25 vote.Al Jazeera · 19 Oct, 05:27
• Brazil's Lula, Bolsonaro clash in bitter debate ahead of election runoffBrazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and right-wing senator Flavio Bolsonaro traded personal attacks in a heated presidential debate on Sunday, a week before a closely contested runoff. The rivals accused each other of lying and corruption while clashing over the economy, security and healthcare ahead of the October 25 vote.France 24 · 19 Oct, 04:42

In this story: Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva · Flavio Bolsonaro · Jair Bolsonaro · Brazil · Rio de Janeiro · Argentina · Javier Milei

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