Bolsonaro’s son’s presidential bid in turmoil after bitter row with younger stepmother

Flavio Bolsonaro, son of Brazil’s former president Jair Bolsonaro, is mounting a presidential campaign this year against leftist rival Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. However, his political fortunes have been dealt a serious blow following a series of scandals and collapsing poll numbers, compounded by a damaging Instagram video from his stepmother Michelle, who is a year younger than him. Michelle, who recently resigned as head of the women’s division of the Liberal Party, posted the video to her 8.2 million followers accusing Flavio of betrayal and humiliation. In the video, she claimed she had “painted Brazil pink” through her political work, raising the prospect of a significant split within the family’s political operation.
Michelle Bolsonaro’s departure from her party role and her public criticism of her stepson threatens to undermine his campaign significantly. Her substantial social media following and influence among women voters and evangelical Christians—a crucial voting bloc for right-wing candidates in Brazil—could swing considerable support away from Flavio’s bid. The family rift comes at a particularly sensitive moment for the younger Bolsonaro as he seeks to consolidate support ahead of the election. The row highlights deepening divisions within the pro-Israel right-wing movement in Brazil that had previously been a united political force supporting the elder Bolsonaro. Political analysts suggest that Michelle’s decision to publicly air grievances could prove fatal to Flavio’s presidential ambitions, particularly if she decides to campaign actively against him or support an alternative candidate.

Source: Ynet — Original article in Hebrew.