Lula and Flavio Bolsonaro Face Off in Rio Ahead of Sunday Vote

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Senator Flavio Bolsonaro concluded their campaign debates in Rio de Janeiro on Friday, two days before the final vote. The two candidates focused on economic policy, infrastructure, and regional development during the broadcast on TV Globo.

Lula challenged his opponent's plan to cut public spending, comparing the proposal to the aggressive fiscal approach used by Argentine President Javier Milei. Bolsonaro accepted the comparison, stating that he would perform the same task in Brazil because the current administration is leaving the nation bankrupt.

The exchange included personal attacks that marked a shift from the first debate earlier that month. Lula criticized Bolsonaro's lack of connection to the working class, stating that his rival does not know what hunger is. Bolsonaro responded by asking why the cost of living remains so high. Lula also questioned the senator's familiarity with the country, claiming he does not know Brazil.

Tension rose when Bolsonaro used the nickname "Nine Fingers" for Lula, a reference to an accident the 80-year-old president sustained while working as a metalworker. Lula demanded an apology, which Bolsonaro provided. The president then referred to Bolsonaro as a vigilante, citing allegations of ties to paramilitary groups in Rio. Bolsonaro described such groups as narcoterrorists.

A third dispute centered on a police officer who was the lawyer's client in a shootout that killed a five-year-old child. The candidate maintained that he does not believe his client was guilty. The mother of the child was present during the segment.

A survey by the Datafolha institute published on Thursday places both candidates at 50 percent, indicating a dead heat. This result eliminates the four-point advantage Bolsonaro held in polls released two weeks prior. In the first round of voting on October 4, Bolsonaro finished first with 47 percent of the vote, while Lula received 45 percent.

Both candidates are scheduled to join supporters in the streets of Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo for their final campaign events before Sunday's election.