EPA
News from the NOS•
Brazilian presidential candidates Jair Bolsonaro and Lula da Silva harshly criticized each other in the final debate ahead of tomorrow’s elections. They called themselves liars and warned voters that their opponent would be disastrous for the country.
Bolsonaro cited corruption allegations that plagued Da Silva during his reign from 2003 to 2010. Da Silva was convicted but allowed to leave the cell when it became clear that the judge had been biased. “With me you will have security, honesty, not theft,” promised the incumbent president.
He also said he was harder on violent gangs in the country than his rival. “Violence decreased during my tenure while it increased during your reign.” Bolsonaro also described his opponent as someone who wants to introduce abortion and legalize drugs.
Lies and insults
Da Silva pointed out that Brazil flourished under him but became internationally isolated under Bolsonaro. “Brazil is even more lonely than Cuba. You have no relations with anyone. Nobody wants to receive you, nobody comes here.”
Bolsonaro laughed at the criticism, saying the Arab world welcomes him “with open arms” and recently called President Biden. He then bit Da Silva that he had to “stop lying”.
Candidates personally attacked each other more often during the two and a half hour debate. Da Silva called Bolsonaro’s policies disturbed and himself upset. He took as an example a recent accident in which a politician opened fire on officers. “This is your model of harmony,” accused the president.
If Da Silva is re-elected on Sunday, that means a third term for the 77-year-old politician. Bolsonaro hopes to be re-elected for a second term.
Analysts fear what will happen if Bolsonaro does not acknowledge a defeat in the election. Many take into account the fact that ‘Tropical Trump’, like his former American colleague, will do anything to stay in power. Bolsonaro said earlier he feared electoral fraud without evidence. Even yesterday evening during the debate he repeated again that “the whole system is against me”.
