Overview
- The candidates faced off in a TV Band debate on Sunday, October 18, trading personal attacks and mutual corruption claims that made law enforcement and family networks central themes.
- Flávio Bolsonaro pledged to “declare war on narcoterrorism” from January and to seek legal labels for the PCC, Comando Vermelho and militias as narcoterrorist groups to justify tougher policing.
- Lula accused Flávio of courting Javier Milei’s shock economic model and taunted him with the ‘motosierra’ line while defending his son Lulinha’s cooperation with investigators.
- The debate grew tense onstage with disputes over prisoner voting, questions about film financing and property purchases tied to Bolsonaro’s circle, and reminders that Jair Bolsonaro is imprisoned.
- With polls showing a narrow gap after the October 4 first round, the clash sharpened clear choices for voters and signaled that a Bolsonaro loss could expose Flávio to legal risks once senatorial immunity ends.