Brazilian presidential debate kicks off with fewer candidates after major withdrawals

The first presidential debate since Brazil's redemocratization began with a starkly reduced field, as only three of the initially invited candidates confirmed their attendance. Ronaldo Caiado (PSD), Renan Santos (Missão), and Augusto Cury (Avante) were present for the event, while Lula (PT), Flávio Bolsonaro (PL), and Romeu Zema (Novo) all withdrew.

Renan Santos was the first to arrive and immediately criticized the absent candidates. He held up diapers bearing the names of Lula and Bolsonaro, labeling them "criminals who do business with organized crime." Santos declared their absence from the debate as proof of cowardice, stating, "you are not coming because you are criminals." He dismissed Zema's last-minute withdrawal as insignificant, saying, "I didn't even remember."

Zema's team explained his withdrawal by citing a change in the debate date to accommodate Lula, a change the president ultimately reversed. "Given the absence of Lula and other contenders, the date change lost its initial purpose," Zema's team stated. Lula's campaign had previously decided against attending, citing a lack of equal conditions to defend against opponents' attacks. The presence of Santos and Zema, candidates who arguably did not need to be invited according to electoral law, reinforced Lula's decision.

Without Lula's participation, Flávio Bolsonaro also opted out. Allies of the senator indicated their strategy is to directly confront Lula and only attend debates where he is present, thus avoiding becoming the primary target for other candidates. Caiado confirmed his attendance via an audio message, stating, "Everyone knows me. I don't back down, not even for a train loaded with dynamite. I'll be there." He has repeatedly called Lula and Bolsonaro "fugitives" who avoid debates because they "have a lot to hide."

The debate format includes direct confrontation between candidates, with questions and answers without mediation, and a segment with journalist inquiries. The opening featured thematic questions from anchors, with two minutes per response. Subsequent rounds allowed one minute per question, with four minutes for response and rebuttal. The debate was organized by Grupo Bandeirantes and other media outlets.

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Me perguntaram aí se eu irei ao debate. Minha gente, todo mundo me conhece. Eu não dou marcha à ré nem para trem carregado de dinamite. Estarei lá