Flávio Bolsonaro campaign to use father's visit ban to cement spokesperson role

Flávio Bolsonaro's presidential campaign intends to use the Supreme Court's decision to prohibit his visits to his father, former President Jair Bolsonaro, as a strategic tool to bolster the senator's authority and isolate former First Lady Michelle Bolsonaro. Campaign strategists view the 90-day ban, which extends beyond the first election round, not as a setback but as an opportunity.

This development follows Jair Bolsonaro's public declaration that Flávio is his "spokesperson" and the person he trusts. With the former president now effectively incommunicado, allies argue that Flávio's designated role holds precedence. The campaign is actively seeking to overturn the visitation ban, with the Order of Attorneys of Brazil (OAB) reportedly petitioning the court.

The prohibition stems from Flávio's social media post sharing a letter from his father, which the Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes deemed a violation of the existing precautionary measures against the former president. This comes amid a backdrop of public friction, including a video from Michelle Bolsonaro alleging mistreatment by Flávio, which has reportedly impacted public perception. A recent poll shows President Lula with a significant lead over Flávio in a potential second-round matchup, with Flávio facing high rejection rates.

Supporters of Flávio argue that the court's decision grants him the freedom to make independent political decisions for his campaign, which previously required his father's approval. Between March 27 and June 17, Flávio visited his father at least 26 times, acting both as a son and as the ex-president's lawyer. The increased isolation of Jair Bolsonaro is seen as a way to further distance Michelle from the electoral contest, especially given the reported power struggle between Flávio and Michelle.

While Michelle has access to Jair Bolsonaro, she is reportedly not authorized to speak on his behalf, unlike Flávio. This dynamic could hinder Michelle's efforts to forge alliances and support specific candidates. Flávio's camp contends that key campaign decisions regarding state-level platforms, national alliances, and the government program have already been finalized, mitigating the impact of Jair Bolsonaro's absence in political negotiations. Allies of Michelle reportedly share a similar view, suggesting her role in the national election campaign is largely complete.

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