Two former ministers from Bolsonaro's government, Gilson Machado and Marcelo Queiroga, posted a video on social media urging support for Flávio Bolsonaro in the 2026 elections. Electoral law experts view the action as premature campaign propaganda, which is illegal under Brazilian law. Congressman Lindbergh Farias has filed a complaint with the TSE against the post.
On February 17, 2026, Gilson Machado, former Minister of Tourism, and Marcelo Queiroga, former Minister of Health, released a video on social media where they appear together encouraging votes for Flávio Bolsonaro, son of former President Jair Bolsonaro and pre-candidate for the Presidency of the Republic.
In the video, Machado states: "we have to push for Flávio Bolsonaro's election in the Northeast this year." Queiroga adds: "Now, in 2026, look, if you are an admirer of Jair Bolsonaro, you vote for Flávio Bolsonaro."
Under Brazilian electoral law, official campaigns begin only after August 15 of the election year. Any vote solicitation before that date constitutes premature electoral propaganda, punishable by a fine between R$5,000 and R$25,000, or the equivalent of the propaganda's cost if higher.
Contacted by Folha, Queiroga denied the video qualifies as propaganda, calling it a "manifestation of political opinion in a general context." He argued there is no explicit vote request, reference to a specific office or election period, and invoked constitutional free speech rights.
Machado and his party, Podemos, did not respond to the report's inquiries.
Experts differ. Former TSE Minister Marcelo Ribeiro stated there is "clearly" a character of premature propaganda, even without mentioning the office, as Flávio's pre-candidacy is "public and notorious." Professor Delosmar Mendonça Junior from Abradep indicated the video can be framed as such, with a direct request and voter motivation, recommending a fine if a complaint is filed with the TSE.
Two days earlier, on February 15, Machado posted an image of affixing a sticker on a motorcycle reading "The Northeast is with Flávio Bolsonaro 2026." In response, federal congressman Lindbergh Farias (PT-RJ) filed a complaint with the TSE on February 18, accusing irregular propaganda. Farias requested content removal, a fine, and referral to the Electoral Public Prosecutor's Office to investigate political power abuse and improper use of communication means.
Machado reacted on social media, labeling the action a "smokescreen" to divert attention from a parade by the samba school Acadêmicos de Niterói honoring President Lula, held on February 15. The TSE had rejected barring the samba-enredo on February 12 but warned of electoral risks. The Novo party plans to file for Lula's ineligibility.
