Flavio Bolsonaro starts Brazil presidential campaign highlighting support from Milei and Netanyahu

Bolsonaro outlined tax reductions and a firmer approach to crime while pledging to advance his father's political tradition.

Brazilian Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, set to be named candidate for Brazil's presidential elections, stands before a screen displaying a pre-recorded message from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the national convention of the Liberal Party (PL) in Brazil, July 25, 2026.

(photo credit: REUTERS/Jean Carniel)

ByREUTERS

JULY 26, 2026 04:08

Brazilian Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, the eldest son of former president Jair Bolsonaro, on Saturday officially began his effort to challenge President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in October's election, displaying support from Argentine President Javier Milei, an AI-generated message from his jailed father, and a video address from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

He promised tax reductions and a stricter position on crime, while underscoring his resolve to continue his father's political legacy.

"Here is Bolsonaro's blood," he stated in an emotional voice to backers waving green and yellow flags. The arena in Sao Paulo where he spoke was almost full, though not entirely.

Former President Jair Bolsonaro remains under house arrest for his involvement in an attempt to reverse the election outcome in which Lula defeated him.

Milei gave a strong speech criticizing Lula and stating that Bolsonaro can "save" Brazil from socialism. The Argentine president traveled to Brazil the evening before the event and met on Saturday with Sao Paulo Governor Tarcisio de Freitas.

"We will keep providing our testimony everywhere against the falsehoods of socialism," Milei said.

Brazil's presidency did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

Former first lady backs Bolsonaro

Former first lady Michelle Bolsonaro, Flavio's stepmother, also appeared via video message to give her support, in remarks directed at women voters. The two recently reconciled after a public disagreement shown in videos shared on social media.

"Flavio, may God bless and protect your candidacy," she said in the video message.

In December, the senator obtained his father's backing to run in this year's election. Yet his campaign lost early drive in May after leaked messages connected him to jailed banker Daniel Vorcaro, whom he later admitted had funded a film about his father's political career.

Bolsonaro's standing was further affected by the disagreement with Michelle Bolsonaro and by his close links to US President Donald Trump, who has placed tariffs on Brazilian goods.

A Datafolha poll released on Friday showed Lula ahead of Bolsonaro 48% to 43% in a runoff, up from 47% to 43% in June.

Flavio Bolsonaro has found it difficult to build political alliances. Center-right parties have so far chosen to remain neutral instead of endorsing his candidacy.

Bolsonaro supporters hopeful

Supporters at the launch event stayed hopeful about his chances.

"Brazil needs to change. There were no scandals tied to Flavio Bolsonaro. This comes from the left," said Leandro Aguilar, 44, a Sao Paulo resident who attended the event with his family.

Janete Rubio, 68, appeared very emotional during the gathering, at times crying or dancing to music while wrapped in Brazilian and US flags.

"Brazil is very rich, but it is being underestimated. Together, with the power of the United States and the power of Trump, we will succeed," she said.