Michelle Bolsonaro appears in campaign videos with Flávio Bolsonaro after family rift

Former first lady Michelle Bolsonaro has appeared in campaign videos alongside presidential hopeful Flávio Bolsonaro, signaling a public reconciliation two months after a significant family dispute. The filming took place on Tuesday, August 11, marking their first face-to-face meeting since their public disagreement in late June.

Michelle Bolsonaro acknowledged that "a stone was placed" on the situation, referring to the past conflict. While she stated she asked for votes for Flávio, she also voiced ongoing frustrations regarding the internal conflicts within the Bolsonaro clan, specifically mentioning Carlos and Eduardo Bolsonaro. "What family doesn't have problems? We talked and united for something much bigger for our nation," she told journalists, though she declined to elaborate on her conversation with Jair Bolsonaro's eldest son, describing it simply as "normal."

She avoided direct comments when questioned about "sons 02 and 03," stating, "I will not polarize. One day at a time. [...] But I hold no grudges against anyone. Because if I hold grudges, I won't be able to live. Things will adjust little by little."

Flávio Bolsonaro gathered approximately 30 supported Senate candidates, including Michelle, who is running in the Federal District, at his campaign headquarters in Brasília for a series of video recordings. He also delivered a brief speech, aiming to align campaign platforms, such as criticism of the current Lula administration's fiscal policies. Flávio has put forward 47 Senate candidates, many of whom openly support the impeachment of Supreme Federal Court Minister Alexandre de Moraes, whom Flávio has called Lula's political strategist. The candidates present chanted in support of impeaching the minister.

Michelle arrived around 1:50 p.m. and left after 3:30 p.m. She was greeted enthusiastically by other Senate candidates, posing for photos. A barbecue and draft beer were served. According to reports, she briefly addressed the group, emphasizing a message of unity. In a clip shared on social media, she called for the release of those imprisoned following the January 8 events and for Bolsonaro, who is under house arrest for alleged coup attempts.

When asked about campaigning across the country for Flávio, Michelle indicated it would be difficult due to her primary responsibility for caring for Bolsonaro, who recently underwent shoulder surgery and experiences bouts of hiccups. She suggested that regional leaders of PL Mulher (the party's women's wing) could support the senator in their respective states. Michelle, Flávio, and the other candidates also participated in a prayer led by Alcides Fernandes, a pastor and Senate candidate from Ceará. Fernandes's candidacy reportedly came at the expense of Priscila Costa, who was Michelle's preferred choice for the state.