Flavio Bolsonaro launches Brazil presidential campaign, touts support from Milei, Netanyahu

Brazilian Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, the eldest son of former president Jair Bolsonaro, has officially launched his bid to challenge President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in the upcoming October election. The campaign launch event in Sao Paulo featured significant international endorsements, including a fiery speech from Argentine President Javier Milei and a video address from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

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Here is Bolsonaro's blood.

Bolsonaro, who is running on a platform of tax cuts and a tougher stance on crime, stressed his commitment to carrying forward his father's political legacy. "Here is Bolsonaro's blood," he declared emotionally to supporters waving green and yellow flags. The event, held at the Liberal Party's national convention, was nearly full but not entirely packed.

Milei, a staunch ally of the Bolsonaro family, flew to Brazil for the event and delivered a speech criticizing Lula and asserting that Bolsonaro could "save" Brazil from socialism. He also met with Sao Paulo Governor Tarcisio de Freitas. Former first lady Michelle Bolsonaro, Flavio's stepmother, also offered her endorsement via video message, addressing women voters and expressing her reconciliation with Flavio after a public dispute.

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We will continue offering our testimony everywhere against the lies of socialism.

Flavio Bolsonaro secured his father's endorsement in December, but his campaign has faced challenges. Leaked messages in May linked him to a banker who financed a film about his father's career. A recent Datafolha poll shows Lula leading Bolsonaro 48% to 43% in a potential runoff, a slight increase from the previous month. Bolsonaro has also struggled to forge broader political alliances.

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Flavio, may God bless and protect your candidacy.