It is the first time that the two arch-rivals, central figures in Brazil’s recent history, meet face to face.
“His government was the most corrupt in the history of Brazil,” launched the far-right Bolsonaro, 67, in his first speech, addressed to the leader of the left, favorite in the polls.
Lula, 76, retorted defending the social advances of his governments (2003-2010) and saying that the current president “is destroying” the country.
Both candidates, dressed in dark suits, white shirts and ties, accused each other of lying, but the tension was especially palpable in the adjoining room, where journalists and politicians followed the debate on a screen.
There was recorded a beginning of tumult during a discussion between the deputy André Janones, an ally of Lula, and the former Minister of the Environment of Bolsonaro Ricardo SallesThey were about to hit each other.
Organized by a group of Brazilian media, including Rede Bandeirantes and the Folha de S. Paulo newspaper, the debate is the first on the campaign calendar with a view to the October 2 elections.
In the first part of the debate, which will last a total of three hours, Lula focused his speech on defending the environment and the Amazon, while Bolsonaro was criticized by the other candidates for the increase in deforestation during his term, the progress of inflation and famine.
Like Lula, Bolsonaro waited until the last moment to confirm his participation.
Initially, the organizers reported that Lula and Bolsonaro would be placed side by side by lottery, but this was changed at the last minute.
When questioned by journalists, before the debate, about the reason for the change, Bolsonaro said that he had no problem appearing at his side, but that “I would not shake hands with a thief,” he said, alluding to the corruption scandals that dotted Lula’s mandates.
In addition to Lula and Bolsonaro, the meeting brings together four other candidates: former Finance Minister Ciro Gomes (PDT, center-left), third in the polls (7%); Senator Simone Tebet (MDB, center) in fourth place; Senator Soraya Thronicke (União Brasil) and Felipe D’Avila, both below 1% of voting intentions.
For security reasons, there are no spectators in the studio.
Lula, who governed Brazil between 2003 and 2010, leads the race with 47% of the intention to vote against 32% for Bolsonaro, according to a Datafolha Institute survey published on August 18. Other polls also place Lula in the lead, although with a smaller advantage.
In 2018, when he won the elections, Bolsonaro participated only in the first two presidential debates. With a month to go before the first round, he was stabbed during a campaign rally and after undergoing surgery, he did not debate again.
Neither Lula nor former Brazilian President Fernando Henrique Cardoso (PSDB, center) participated in debates before the first round when they sought re-election in 2006 and 1998, respectively.
Source: Ambito
David William is a talented author who has made a name for himself in the world of writing. He is a professional author who writes on a wide range of topics, from general interest to opinion news. David is currently working as a writer at 24 hours worlds where he brings his unique perspective and in-depth research to his articles, making them both informative and engaging.
