endorsement to run for the presidency in 2026. In a social media post on Friday, Flavio shared a picture of himself kissing the top of his father’s head, along with a statement. It explained that his father — whom he called the “greatest political and moral leader” in Brazil — had passed along to him the “mission of carrying on our national project”.

“I cannot and I will not accept seeing our country go through a time of instability, insecurity and discouragement,” Flavio wrote. “I will not stand idly by while I see the hopes of families fading and our democracy dying”. Brazil is scheduled to hold elections on October 4, 2026, and with his father’s nod, Flavio is now the heir apparent to represent the far-right Liberal Party (PL) at the ballot box.

Jair Bolsonaro is considered the honorary leader of the PL, though he is barred from holding office through 2030. The party’s official president, Valdemar Costa Neto, confirmed that Jair’s endorsement of his son conferred upon Flavio the party’s nomination. “As president of the PL, I inform you that Senator Flavio Bolsonaro is the name selected by Jair Bolsonaro to represent the party in the presidential race”, Costa Neta wrote in an official statement. “Flavio told me that our captain confirmed his pre-candidacy. So if Bolsonaro spoke, it’s settled!”.

The announcement sets up a rematch of sorts between the Bolsonaro family and Brazil’s current left-wing president, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. The elder Bolsonaro and Lula previously faced each other in the 2022 presidential race. It was a closely fought match: Neither candidate won a majority of the vote in the first round, which forced the contest into a run-off. (Aljazeera)