Brazil’s right wing Liberal Party has officially nominated former First Lady Michelle Bolsonaro as its candidate for the Senate, a move that comes only weeks after her widely reported disagreement with her stepson, Flavio Bolsonaro, who is now the party’s presidential candidate.
The development highlights a renewed show of unity within Brazil’s conservative movement after tensions between the two family members briefly raised concerns about divisions ahead of the country’s general election.
Former President Jair Bolsonaro remains under house arrest over allegations linked to an attempted coup following the end of his administration between 2019 and 2022. Since then, Michelle Bolsonaro and Flavio Bolsonaro have been seen as influential figures competing for greater political influence within the conservative bloc.
Their disagreement became public in late June when Michelle claimed her stepson had spoken disrespectfully to her, alleging that he dismissed her political views by saying she knew little about politics. The dispute sparked speculation that it could weaken conservative efforts to build a united front before the presidential election.
Flavio, who currently serves as a senator, later issued a public apology before receiving the Liberal Party’s presidential nomination last weekend. Michelle accepted the apology, easing tensions between the two and paving the way for renewed cooperation.
In the October presidential election, Flavio Bolsonaro is expected to challenge incumbent President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who is seeking a fourth nonconsecutive term after gaining momentum in recent weeks.
The Liberal Party had hoped to showcase both leaders together during a political gathering held on Sunday in the capital, Brasilia. However, Michelle Bolsonaro was unable to attend after being hospitalised a day earlier with a severe headache.
She was discharged from the medical facility shortly after the event began. In her absence, her brother, Diego Torres, delivered the speech she had prepared.
Speaking on her behalf, Torres said, “I accept this challenge.”
During his address, Flavio Bolsonaro also stressed the importance of working together, declaring that he and Michelle Bolsonaro would unite in what he described as a mission to restore democracy in Brazil.
