After skipping debate, Flávio Bolsonaro says he wants to debate Lula

Senator Flávio Bolsonaro has criticized President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's absence from the first 2026 presidential debate, hosted by Grupo Bandeirantes and Estadão. Bolsonaro, who also skipped the event, stated in a social media video that he wishes to debate the person "destroying Brazil."

Lula's absence was due to a scheduled interview with Record TV, which aired concurrently with the debate. Bolsonaro used the platform to outline his proposals, including tax reductions and designating criminal factions as "terrorist organizations," a policy adopted by the United States. He also advocated for cutting bureaucratic "red tape."

The absence of both leading candidates from the initial debate was met with criticism from political rivals and analysts. Other candidates present included Romeu Zema, who also canceled his participation, and Augusto Cury, Renan Santos, and Ronaldo Caiado.

Bolsonaro emphasized that the candidates present were not his true adversaries, stating, "My adversary is the one in power." He also alluded to investigations concerning President Lula's son, Fábio Luís Lula da Silva, who is reportedly being investigated for influence peddling.