Overview
- Sen. Flavio Bolsonaro said his father chose him to carry the movement’s banner in 2026, declaring the decision in a post on X.
- The head of the Liberal Party said he was told Jair Bolsonaro had ratified Flavio’s candidacy, and CNN Brasil reported the endorsement was conveyed during a prison visit.
- Flavio’s office told the Associated Press he will challenge President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva as the Liberal Party’s candidate in the October 2026 election.
- Brazil’s real fell around 2% against the dollar and the Bovespa dropped about 3%–4% after the news, reflecting investor concern about the choice.
- Investors had expected Jair Bolsonaro to back São Paulo Governor Tarcísio de Freitas, while Jair remains legally barred from running and is appealing his 27-year sentence for plotting a coup.