Bolsonaro Accuses Lula of Leaving Brazil Bankrupt in Final Debate

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Senator Flavio Bolsonaro engaged in a final policy confrontation on Friday in Rio de Janeiro, two days before the runoff election.

The debate, broadcast by TV Globo, focused on economic management and public safety. Bolsonaro, the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, criticized the incumbent for leaving the national treasury depleted. He argued that his proposed cuts to public spending would be necessary to stabilize the economy, comparing the situation to the fiscal reforms implemented in Argentina. "I'll have the same job here [as Milei in Argentina] because you're leaving the country bankrupt," Bolsonaro stated.

Lula countered by attacking the challenger's background and experience with the country's working class. He dismissed Bolsonaro's proposals to slash government budgets, noting that the senator had not personally experienced poverty. "He doesn't know what hunger is," Lula said. He further stated that Bolsonaro did not understand the realities of the nation, declaring, "He doesn't know Brazil."

Tensions rose during the exchange over crime and police conduct. Bolsonaro accused the government of allowing organized crime to expand and pushing families into debt. Lula responded by labeling Bolsonaro a vigilante, citing allegations of his ties to paramilitary groups in Rio de Janeiro. Bolsonaro defended his position by classifying such groups as narcoterrorists. A third moment of friction involved the mother of a child killed in a shootout involving a police officer represented by Bolsonaro's legal team. Bolsonaro maintained that he does not believe his client was guilty.

The atmosphere was more controlled than the first debate held earlier this month, though personal jabs persisted. Bolsonaro referred to Lula as "Nine Fingers," a nickname referencing an industrial accident in the president's youth. Lula demanded an apology, which Bolsonaro provided. This exchange marked a sharper tone than the previous meeting, where the candidates had traded fewer personal attacks.

Recent polling data indicates a shift in the race. A survey released by the Datafolha institute on Thursday showed the candidates tied at 50 percent each. This result erased the four-point lead Bolsonaro held in polls published two weeks prior. Bolsonaro finished first in the initial round of voting on October 4, securing 47 percent of the vote compared to Lula's 45 percent.

Both candidates are scheduled to appear with supporters on the streets of Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo in the final push before Sunday's vote.