Brazil is on the brink of the second round of its presidential elections, where the people of this country must choose between the continuation of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's presidency and a return to the right with Flávio Bolsonaro. Polls indicate that these two candidates are in a close race.
Candidate Status
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who will soon turn 81, is seeking to change the situation by garnering votes in this round. He, who is aiming for his fourth presidential term, has positioned himself as a defender against U.S. interventions and the decline of democracy, promising to expand social support. During his third term, Lula managed to reduce inflation and unemployment and saved millions from hunger. However, many voters complain about the high cost of living and rising crime rates.
Flávio Bolsonaro's Positions
Flávio Bolsonaro, 45, has promised to take a strong stance against crime and reduce government spending. He has presented himself as a more moderate option than his father. His father, Jair Bolsonaro, was sentenced to 27 years of house arrest for attempting a coup after losing the 2022 elections, and his son has stated that his first action if he wins the election will be to secure his father's freedom. One of his supporters at a rally said, "16 years have passed under this government, and it is clear that it has not performed well. It is time for change."
After the first round, Lula's supporters participated in large rallies under the slogan "Never Again Bolsonaro" and criticized the management of the COVID-19 crisis, the destruction of the Amazon, and the reduction of public programs. One of Lula's supporters at these rallies said, "Anyone who has never gone hungry does not understand that these programs should not be taken lightly."
Analysts predict that whoever wins this election will face serious challenges. One political analyst stated, "If the left wins, they will face a hostile Congress and impeachment threats. On the other hand, if the right wins, the government will move towards revenge."
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