Incumbent President Lula da Silva and Senator Flavio Bolsonaro traded personal attacks and policy barbs in their first televised debate ahead of the October 25 runoff election.

Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and right-wing Senator Flávio Bolsonaro held their first televised debate on Sunday, October 18, just one week before the presidential election runoff. The event was marked by a series of personal attacks and accusations of corruption, reflecting the intense polarization of the campaign. The two candidates sparred over the economy, public security, healthcare, and Brazil's international relations.

Personal Attacks and Heated Exchanges

The debate featured frequent personal insults, with both candidates calling each other liars. Lula, 80, referred to the 45-year-old senator as a "militiaman" and a "thug," alluding to alleged ties between the Bolsonaro family and paramilitary groups in Rio de Janeiro. In response, Flavio Bolsonaro mocked Lula’s past corruption conviction—which was later annulled—by stating he kept his distance because his "wallet could be stolen." Bolsonaro frequently paced behind Lula while the president spoke, a tactic he used to unnerve his opponent. Lula struggled to maintain his composure, frequently urging viewers to verify his claims online. The senator also labeled the president a "clown" and declared that "Brazil is going to retire you."

Policy Debates and Campaign Issues

Beyond personal clashes, the candidates addressed core campaign issues including the cost of living, public security, and social spending. Bolsonaro accused the incumbent of "reckless spending" to secure a fourth term. Lula countered by questioning the senator's plans regarding public spending cuts, comparing them to policies implemented in Argentina, and criticized the Bolsonaro family’s perceived subservience to U.S. interests, specifically regarding rare earth minerals. Bolsonaro pledged to designate major gangs and militias as narco-terrorist organizations and proposed building over half a million prison spaces. The debate, held on Band TV, lasted approximately two hours and precedes a second scheduled debate on October 23.