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In Brazil, the number of hunters, shooters and collectors exploded under Jair Bolsonaro. In the south of the country, especially in Santa Catarina, the arms defenders have challenged the restrictions imposed by Lula since 2023. In this very conservative state, the pro-arms lobby is already mobilizing for the next elections. Report of France 24 correspondent in Brazil, Fanny Lothaire.
The mudslinging between Brazil’s incumbent President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and his election rival, Flavio Bolsonaro, has heated up ahead of what is expected to be an extremely close vote this weekend. From stating loose rumours as facts, to taking comments completely out of their context, they are both doing everything they can to win a few more votes.
At 80, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is a candidate for his re-election as head of Brazil on Sunday. And to run for a fourth term, the former metal worker relied on his popularity and a solid balance sheet with a revitalized economy. But in the face of Donald Trump's pressure, he struggles to mobilize. To the point of being at the elbow-to-neck in the polls with his far right rival, Flavio Bolsonaro.
Voters will soon decide between President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro.
While Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva proposes to strengthen cooperation with the different states to combat crime, Flávio Bolsonaro defends tougher penalties and the classification of the PCC and the Vermelho Command as terrorist organizations. The debate takes place in a context marked by the expansion of these gangs linked to drug trafficking, money laundering and territorial disputes inside and outside Brazil.
The Brazilian Government of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva expressed concern about the possible interference of the United States in the elections on October 4. On 1 October, the Union Attorney General's Office (AGU) requested a formal investigation from the Federal Police and the Office of the Attorney General of the Republic. The investigation will be based on a report published by the British newspaper 'The Guardian', which states that the US State Department would have delivered $1 million to groups to report censorship and illegal practices allegedly committed by the Supreme
About 130 million Brazilians belong to "Class C," a segment of families with monthly income of between $487 and $2,100. Between 2003 and 2010, this group voted massively for Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, hoping to access a home of its own or to ensure that its children entered the university. However, in 2026, his intention to vote could change. Our correspondent, Valeria Saccone, spoke to members of this social class to learn about their electoral perspectives and priorities.
Brazil must decide between two country projects: Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who speaks of defending sovereignty and reducing inequalities, and Flavio Bolsonaro, aligned with Trump's policy and focused on the free market. The campaign has been marked by concerns about security and economy, as well as the Bank Master corruption case and the crisis in the Supreme Court.
Antoine Mariotti shares his analysis of the situation.
The economic slowdown and the trade crisis hit Foz do Iguaçu, a Brazilian city bordering Paraguay and Argentina whose economy is largely dependent on tourism and the activity linked to the Itaipu hydropower plant. The economic deterioration adds pressure on President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva for the elections, in a place where Jair Bolsonaro got more support in 2022. Can economic unrest influence the vote and become a challenge for officialism? Report by Valeria Saccone and Fanny Lothaire for France 24.
As in all elections, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Flávio Bolsonaro seek to conquer the religious sectors of Brazil to strengthen their chances of reaching the presidency. In these elections, Catholics and evangelics are divided between the two candidates as a result of the disinformation and benefits that the churches have received during the Lula Administration. We analyzed the panorama of religious voters with our Guest of the day, Leandro Gabiati, doctor in Political Science and director of Dominium consulting.
Lula and Bolsonaro son face Sunday in the first round of elections that test democracy
In Brazil, incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is seeking a fourth and final term in the presidential election on October 4. In 2022, he made the fight against hunger and poverty a key campaign promise. Between 2023 and 2024, nearly nine million people were lifted out of poverty thanks to the government’s social and economic programs. The decline was particularly sharp in Brazil’s Northeast. A traditional stronghold for Lula, will the progress made in reducing poverty translate into stronger support for the current president? FRANCE 24's team on the ground reports.
Brazil is moving towards a new electoral meeting in a scenario marked by political polarization, debates on the economy and security, and the dispute between the main forces of the country, on the one hand Flávio Bolsonaro and, on the other, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. As the parties fine-tune their strategies and begin to draft nominations, the polls show a contest that could be decisive for the political future of Latin America's largest economy. Caio Manhanelli, international political consultant and member of the Brazilian Association of Political Consultants,
Rio de Janeiro, considered the cradle of Bolsonarism, is one of the main objectives of the presidential campaign of the current president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Our correspondent Valeria Saccone tells us what some of the events have been held in the city.
Security is a central issue in Brazil’s presidential campaign, in a country where gangs and militias have tightened their grip in recent years. Lula is accused of losing ground amid rising insecurity and violence — an issue seized on by Flavio Bolsonaro and the far right. Rio de Janeiro is one of the country’s most violent cities and a showcase for public security policy. How are Rio residents experiencing this insecurity, and will it influence their vote? FRANCE 24's Fanny Lothaire and Jan Onoszko report.
Lula, Bolsonaro, Catholic Bishops and the Supreme enter into a controversy encouraged by the left and that can influence an extremely difficult choice
Six days after the elections in Brazil, two polls show the current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on Monday, September 28, five points ahead of Senator Flávio Bolsonaro in the first round. However, the difference is reduced and remains within the margin of error before a possible second round.
♪ Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva announced the ban on online betting and digital casinos in Brazil, a decision that reaches a few days from the general elections.
Former President Jair Bolsonaro chose his eldest son to challenge Lula in the October 4 elections. Its influence has been cross-cutting in the political campaign of Flavio, which also seeks to take advantage of the great moment the extreme right-wing world lives and of Donald Trump's aggressive campaign to align the hemisphere in its sphere. Without a great political capital of its own, it has managed to produce a technical tie in a possible second round with Lula.
