Far-right Senator Flavio Bolsonaro has reiterated his intention to run in Brazil’s 2026 presidential election, despite facing backlash for suggesting he might withdraw his candidacy for the right “price.” Speaking to reporters outside the federal police headquarters in Brasilia on Tuesday, Flavio emphasized his determination to continue his campaign, stating, “I told him this candidacy is irreversible.” His remarks come as his father, former President Jair Bolsonaro, serves a 27-year sentence for attempting to undermine Brazil’s democratic processes.
Flavio’s recent comments have drawn significant attention. On Sunday, he sparked controversy when he remarked that he could consider exiting the race if the conditions were favorable. “There’s a possibility I won’t go all the way,” he stated. “I have a price for that. I will negotiate.” Although he did not specify what that price would entail, many interpreted his comments as a reference to his father’s legal troubles. Jair Bolsonaro was convicted in September by a panel of Brazil’s Supreme Court on five charges related to his efforts to overturn the 2022 presidential election, including seeking to violently abolish democratic rule.
In November, the Supreme Court mandated Jair’s imprisonment after he violated terms of his release by damaging an ankle monitor. Additionally, in 2023, the Supreme Electoral Tribunal ruled that Jair would be barred from holding public office for eight years due to misusing his presidential position to disseminate false information about the election.
Despite the controversies surrounding his father’s imprisonment, Flavio has received endorsements for his candidacy, including from Valdemar Costa Neto, president of the Liberal Party (PL), who confirmed that Flavio would lead the party’s ticket. Support has also come from Tarcisio de Freitas, the Governor of São Paulo, who was initially seen as a frontrunner for the PL.
Critics have pounced on Flavio’s comments regarding a potential exit from the race. Members of Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva‘s Workers Party have questioned his integrity and commitment to the campaign. Edinho Silva, president of the Workers Party, remarked, “No one launches a candidacy one day, and the next day says, ‘Look, I can negotiate.’ It’s not just me. No one would take it seriously.”
In response to the backlash, Flavio Bolsonaro dismissed the criticism, firmly asserting his resolve to remain a candidate. He stated, “My price is Bolsonaro free and on the ballot. In other words, there is no price.” His stance signals a continued focus on his father’s release and a commitment to his political ambitions as Brazil approaches a pivotal election year.
