Following Jair Bolsonaro's transfer to Brasília's Papudinha facility, tensions erupted among his supporters over the 2026 elections, with public spats between backers of Flávio Bolsonaro and São Paulo Governor Tarcísio de Freitas. Tarcísio confirmed efforts for house arrest, but the move fueled clan divisions as allies push for candidacies.
The transfer of former President Jair Bolsonaro (PL) to the 19th Military Police Battalion (Papudinha) on January 15 addressed family concerns over detention conditions at Federal Police headquarters, including space for medical needs after a recent fall.
São Paulo Governor Tarcísio de Freitas (Republicanos) revealed in a Friday interview that he had contacted Supreme Court (STF) ministers since late 2025 to secure house arrest for Bolsonaro. "Our request was for house arrest," he said, though he and Michelle Bolsonaro still prefer home detention.
Allies like pastor Silas Malafaia praised the effort on social media: "Congratulations to Michelle and Tarcísio for getting Bolsonaro to a better place." Former Communications Secretary Fabio Wajngarten echoed: "Michelle and Tarcísio are giants defending Bolsonaro's health."
Yet the development intensified rifts. Rio Councilor Carlos Bolsonaro indirectly criticized Tarcísio: "The true intent is to measure forces with Jair Bolsonaro." Wajngarten defended Tarcísio and attacked Flávio Bolsonaro supporter Filipe Sabará, who retorted comparing a handwritten note from Bolsonaro to 'forced alliances.'
Behind the scenes, some allies urge Flávio to yield the 2026 presidential bid to Tarcísio, viewed as stronger against President Lula (PT). Tarcísio insists on re-election in São Paulo. A video of his economic critique, liked by Michelle, amplified backlash.
That evening, Justice Alexandre de Moraes quipped at a São Paulo event: "I think today I already did what I had to do," prompting laughter. Deputy Nikolas Ferreira (PL-MG) condemned it as hubris.
Papudinha's 65 m² cell dwarfs most new São Paulo apartments. The topic garnered 20.2 million X impressions, with 'Papudinha' trending 9th—34% below Bolsonaro's prior PF fall.
