Former President Jair Bolsonaro, imprisoned in Brasília, announced on Friday (December 5) that his son, Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, will be the bolsonarismo candidate for the Presidency in 2026. The decision aims to continue the family's political project and may boost agendas like amnesty for those convicted in the January 8 acts. Reactions range from family support to centrão criticism for prioritizing family survival over a broader right-wing front.
Jair Bolsonaro, serving a 27-year and three-month sentence at the Federal Police Superintendency in Brasília for leading a coup attempt after the 2022 elections, confirmed to allies and his son the choice of Flávio as successor in the 2026 presidential race. Flávio, in a social media message, stated he receives the indication with “great responsibility” and highlighted his father as “the greatest political and moral leadership in Brazil”, promising continuity to the “nation project”.
The decision marks the first time Bolsonaro openly declares launching a family member for the Palácio do Planalto while imprisoned. In the PL, internal evaluations see the senator strengthening the party's position with nationwide travels and alliances, including governors like Tarcísio de Freitas (Republicanos-SP) and Cláudio Castro (PL-RJ). Nikolas Ferreira (PL-MG) interpreted the choice as a gesture of “national pacification” and opportunity to advance amnesty for supporters arrested after the January 8 antidemocratic acts.
Family reactions were positive: Michelle Bolsonaro posted a religious blessing, wishing “wisdom, strength, and grace” to Flávio, while Eduardo Bolsonaro expressed “profound admiration” and stated his brother will raise “the flag of our father's ideals”. However, the centrão criticizes the move as isolating Flávio, predicting parties like PP, União Brasil, and Republicanos will maintain their own projects, seeing prioritization of the family over right-wing unity against Lula.
Ronaldo Caiado (União-GO) respected the choice but maintained his pre-candidacy, stating: “I remain pre-candidate for president and am convinced that next year we will remove the PT from power”. An AtlasIntel poll showed Flávio with 23.1% against Lula's 47.3%, indicating challenges ahead.
