WORLD · VERIFIED DEVELOPMENT
Flávio Bolsonaro Launches Campaign in Minas Gerais, Eyes National Power
WHY IT MATTERS
The results in Minas Gerais will likely determine the national election’s direction, potentially shifting Brazil back toward far‑right policies if Flávio Bolsonaro gains decisive support.
What happened
Flávio Bolsonaro, son of former president Jair Bolsonaro, kicked off a campaign rally in Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, a state that often predicts Brazil’s national election outcome. The senator arrived at an airfield with a large banner bearing his father’s image, signaling the family’s political brand.
He declared that Brazil is “rudderless” and that he is the president the country needs, positioning himself as a direct competitor to incumbent President Lula. Polls show the race is neck‑and‑neck, making Minas Gerais a pivotal battleground.
The rally, attended by a sizable crowd of supporters, underscores the far‑right’s push to regain influence in Brazil’s largest democracy. The campaign’s performance in this key state will shape the national narrative as the election approaches.
PRIMARY SOURCES
‘A coin flip’: on the campaign trail as Brazil’s far right edges back to power
The Guardian · Tom Phillips in Juiz de Fora · Discovery only; Guardian content licensing terms apply