Senator Flávio Bolsonaro was officially named the presidential candidate for the Liberal Party (PL) during the party’s national convention on Saturday (25), marking his first run for the Palácio do Planalto. According to the source material, the convention followed the inelegibilidade and subsequent conviction of former president Jair Bolsonaro for his participation in a trama golpista, which led the party to select the senator for the ticket. The event also featured a video message from former first lady Michelle Bolsonaro declaring public support for her stepson’s campaign.
Michelle Bolsonaro Declares Support in Video Message
The video recording from Michelle Bolsonaro stands as her first public manifestation of support following recent friction with the senator. In the recording, she explained her absence from the national convention by stating she must remain at home to care for her husband. “Este momento nos faz lembrar de 2022, quando estávamos reunidos para lançar a candidatura do meu marido,” she stated in the video, drawing a parallel to the prior campaign launch. She added that because the former president could not attend, “sua ausência fala muito mais alto” and noted that she also stayed behind because “o meu galego não pode estar com vocês, eu também não posso porque estou em casa cuidando dele.”
During the same address, the former first lady asserted that the country is currently living through “uma guerra de ideias e de narrativas.” She offered her blessing to the campaign, stating: “Flávio, que Deus abençoe e proteja a sua candidatura, que Ele te desabedoria, coragem e força a você e a sua família para cumprir esta missão com a lealdade e a verdade que o nosso povo merece.” This public backing arrives after a week in which she accepted an apology from Flávio and invited him to sit and talk.
Origins of the Friction Between Flávio and Michelle
Disagreements between Michelle and her stepson date back to December of last year, when the Liberal Party coordinated with Deputy André Fernandes regarding an alliance with Ciro Gomes for a potential candidacy in Ceará. At that time, the former first lady stated she would not give up her values and declared her opposition to supporting Ciro, prompting pushback from Bolsonaro’s children, including Flávio. The tension escalated in June of this year when Michelle published social media videos detailing what she described as disrespectful treatment.
According to her June statements, Flávio was ríspido, maltreated her over the phone, and suggested she stay out of party decisions because she had arrived recently and did not understand politics. She stated that she chose to withdraw after feeling humiliated and concluding her support was viewed as insignificant. Flávio responded on the same day via social media, writing that he never intended to offend her, offering an apology, and expressing respect and recognition for her work with PL Mulher and her care for his father. Shortly after the exchange, Michelle announced her departure from the presidency of PL Mulher to focus exclusively on caring for the former president.
Did You Know? Senator Flávio Bolsonaro is running for the Palácio do Planalto for the very first time, a nomination that came after the Liberal Party formalized his candidacy at its national convention on Saturday following the legal disqualification and conviction of former president Jair Bolsonaro.
Frequently Asked Questions
What event formalized Flávio Bolsonaro’s presidential candidacy?
The Liberal Party (PL) formalized his candidacy during its national convention on Saturday (25).
Why did Michelle Bolsonaro miss the convention?
She stated in her video message that she stayed at home to care for her husband, the former president.
What led to the previous friction between Michelle and Flávio?
The disagreement began in December over a planned party alliance involving Ciro Gomes in Ceará, which Michelle opposed, and escalated in June following telephone disputes and her subsequent departure from the presidency of PL Mulher.
What impact might this public reconciliation have on the party’s upcoming campaign strategy?
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