Why Flávio Bolsonaro's meeting with ambassadors raised an alert at the TSE

A meeting between Flávio Bolsonaro and ambassadors has triggered an alert at Brazil's Superior Electoral Court (TSE), though it is considered less serious than the events that led to former President Jair Bolsonaro's ineligibility. The court is observing the situation cautiously and awaits official notification to issue a statement.

The Workers' Party (PT), affiliated with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, plans to file a formal complaint on Wednesday. Ministers interviewed by the column perceive Flávio Bolsonaro as escalating his criticism of the judiciary as his poll numbers decline. This strategy appears aimed at solidifying his support within the right-wing base and justifying a potential electoral defeat.

His rhetoric shifted from targeting Supreme Federal Court Minister Alexandre de Moraes, following restrictions on communication with his father, to questioning electronic voting machines. Flávio Bolsonaro claimed that Brazil's voting equipment shares origins with Venezuela's Smartmatic machines, a statement the TSE has refuted. This discourse, mirroring arguments used by Donald Trump, fuels fears within the judiciary about potential foreign interference in the elections.

However, Flávio Bolsonaro's current legal standing differs from his father's. As a pre-candidate, he is not subject to an Electoral Judicial Investigation Action (AIJE), which can result in ineligibility. Any potential conviction for Flávio might lead to milder penalties, such as content removal or platform notifications. Ministers also note that Flávio has adopted a more measured tone than his father, a calculated move that avoids the "coup-mongering escalation" seen during Jair Bolsonaro's tenure, which included meetings with generals. Crucially, public resources were not utilized in Flávio's meeting with ambassadors, unlike Jair Bolsonaro's 2022 meeting at the Alvorada Palace, which was broadcast on official government channels.