Flavio Bolsonaro launches Brazilian presidential bid with backing from Netanyahu, Milei

Brazilian Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, the eldest son of former president Jair Bolsonaro, officially announced on Saturday evening his candidacy to challenge President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in the presidential election set for October. He highlighted support from Argentine President Javier Milei, an AI-generated message from his jailed father, and a video address from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Bolsonaro pledged to cut taxes and take a tougher stance on crime, emphasizing his commitment to continuing his father's political legacy.

Speaking emotionally before supporters waving green and yellow flags, he declared, "Here is Bolsonaro blood." The hall in São Paulo where he spoke was nearly full.

Former president Jair Bolsonaro is currently under house arrest for his role in attempting to overturn the election results that saw Lula defeat him.

Milei delivered a fiery speech criticizing Lula and said Bolsonaro could "save" Brazil from socialism. The Argentine president traveled to Brazil the night before the event and met São Paulo Governor Tarcísio de Freitas earlier that day.

Milei said, "We will continue to bear witness everywhere against the lies of socialism."

Former first lady Michelle Bolsonaro, Jair Bolsonaro's wife, also appeared in a video message to endorse Flavio, addressing female voters. The two recently reconciled after a public dispute that played out on social media.

In her video message, she said, "Flavio, may God bless and protect your candidacy."

The senator received his father's endorsement for this year's election in December. However, his campaign lost early momentum in May after leaked messages linked him to jailed banker Daniel Forkaro; Flavio later admitted Forkaro financed a film about his father's political career.

Bolsonaro's popularity was also affected by his dispute with Michelle Bolsonaro and his close ties to former US President Donald Trump, who imposed tariffs on Brazilian goods.

A Datafolha poll published the day before yesterday showed Lula leading Bolsonaro with 48 percent to 43 percent in a potential runoff, up from 47 percent to 43 percent in June.

Flavio Bolsonaro is struggling to build political alliances, as centrist parties have so far remained neutral rather than endorsing his candidacy.