Absent Lula Becomes Main Target in Brazil's First Presidential Debate

Brazil's first presidential debate for the 2026 elections saw Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, absent from the event, emerge as the central focus of attacks from his rivals. Candidates Ronaldo Caiado, Augusto Cury, and Renan Santos directed their criticisms at the current president, effectively using the debate as a platform to challenge his policies and legacy. The absence of Lula, who leads in voter intention polls, allowed other candidates to dominate the discourse. Flávio Bolsonaro, who also skipped the debate fearing criticism, found himself largely ignored, only surfacing in the final segment due to his associations with banker Daniel Vorcaro and a film about his father, former President Jair Bolsonaro. Bolsonaro indicated he would only attend future debates if Lula confirmed his presence.

Renan Santos, a candidate from the Missão party, was particularly aggressive, labeling Lula a "scoundrel," "drunkard," and "shameless." Santos criticized Lula's supporters, excluding those reliant on social welfare programs, and accused them of "rifling away our future." He also attacked the Record TV interview Lula gave concurrently with the debate, accusing the broadcaster of corruption and of allowing Lula to deliver a "monologue." Augusto Cury, another candidate, commented on Santos's "level of aggressiveness."

Romeu Zema, the Novo party's presidential hopeful, was ignored by rivals as he did not participate in the debate. His absence was interpreted by some as a sign he might not pursue his candidacy further. The debate's tone was set even before it began, with Renan Santos bringing diapers labeled with the names of Flávio Bolsonaro and Lula, calling them criminals. Caiado also criticized the absence of the leading candidates. Cury initially withdrew from the debate but later reversed his decision.

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Tirando um pedaço dele (do eleitorado) que é aquele eleitor que tá no Bolsa Família, que ainda acredita que o Lula é a única fonte de comida dele, de maneira errônea, o eleitor restante que apoia esse cara está sendo canalha. Canalha. Tá rifando o nosso futuro e eu não quero o voto dele