Damares Alves defends Michelle Bolsonaro, calls for end to attacks

Senator Damares Alves has publicly defended Michelle Bolsonaro and reaffirmed her commitment to Flávio Bolsonaro as the right-wing's pre-candidate, while also acknowledging the existence of multiple contenders. Alves, the former Minister of Women, Family, and Human Rights, urged supporters to "stop attacking the soldiers of the right."

Alves stated she is facing criticism for supposedly abandoning Flávio Bolsonaro's campaign. "The right has more than one pre-candidate now," she noted in the Federal Senate. "But the pre-candidate indicated by former President [Jair] Bolsonaro is Flávio. I am a Bolsonarista, and Flávio Bolsonaro is still my pre-candidate." This statement comes after reports suggested she had ceased collaborating with Flávio Bolsonaro's government plan team.

Speaking from the Senate floor, Alves described the criticism as a "defamatory campaign" and questioned the motives behind it. "Is this how you want to show Brazil that it's good to be conservative? Attacking your own soldier, attacking your own army?" she asked. She also defended Michelle Bolsonaro, calling her a "soldier" and a friend, and addressed accusations that Michelle created a new party or movement with the "Imparáveis" initiative. Alves attributed this to fan clubs and former aides, expressing bewilderment at the situation.

This defense comes amidst internal friction within the Bolsonarista movement. In June, Michelle Bolsonaro publicly stated that the presidential pre-candidate had disrespected and mistreated her. Reports have also emerged of a "coordination of attacks from those abroad." Jair Bolsonaro himself previously expressed regret over "criticisms from the right directed at some colleagues and my wife." Federal Deputy Nikolas Ferreira is also reportedly facing criticism from a faction of Bolsonaristas for not sufficiently aiding Flávio Bolsonaro's campaign.