Lula and Bolsonaro debate ahead of Brazil's presidential runoff

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 24 Oct, 08:15 · Archive

President Lula and Senator Bolsonaro held their final debate before Sunday's presidential runoff election in Brazil.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Senator Flávio Bolsonaro held their second and final debate on Friday, 23 October, ahead of Sunday's presidential runoff election. The two-hour debate was broadcast on TV Globo, Brazil's most popular broadcaster, and allowed both candidates to present their plans. The encounter was notably calmer than their previous debate five days earlier on TV Band, when the two exchanged barbs and accusations. Both candidates sought to reach undecided voters in what is described as a tight race.

During the debate in Rio de Janeiro, a tense moment occurred when the 45-year-old Bolsonaro, son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, called the 80-year-old Lula by a pejorative nickname 'nine fingers'. This term references an accident Lula suffered during his time as a metal worker. Lula demanded an apology, citing the working people watching and the millions of workers who suffer accidents due to employer irresponsibility. He noted he was underage when the accident occurred and was working a night shift. Bolsonaro subsequently apologised, saying: 'Lula, if I offended you by calling you 'nine-fingers,' I truly apologize.'

How it is being reported

• Lula, Bolsonaro reach out to undecided voters in last debate of Brazil's presidential raceBrazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Senator Flávio Bolsonaro faced off Friday in their second and final debate ahead of Sunday’s runoff election, but this time with cooler heads than a few days ago.Clickorlando · 24 Oct, 05:22
• Lula, Bolsonaro reach out to undecided voters in last debate of Brazil's presidential raceBrazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Senator Flávio Bolsonaro faced off Friday in their second and final debate ahead of Sunday’s runoff election, but this time with cooler heads than a few days ago.News4Jax · 24 Oct, 05:22

In this story: Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva · Flávio Bolsonaro · Jair Bolsonaro · Brazil · Rio de Janeiro · TV Globo

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