During the debate, which lasted more than two hours, the two opponents constantly accused each other of lying, at the expense of presenting tangible programs for the four years of office at stake in Sunday’s vote.
Luis Lula and Jair Bolsonaro exchanged harsh words just before the polls opened in Brazil during an electrifying televised duel on Friday.
During the debate that lasted more than two hours, the two opponents constantly accused each other of lying, at the expense of presenting tangible programs for the four years of office at stake in Sunday’s vote.
Bolsonaro opened the debate by denying reports that he may delink the minimum wage from inflation, announcing instead that he would raise it to 1,400 reais ($260) a month if re-elected, a move not included in his government’s budget for in 2023.
“Lula, stop lying, go home,” said Jair Bolsonaro, who went so far as to say his opponent should “go get his evil spirits exorcised so he stops lying”.
“This man ruled for four years and there was not even 1% of real growth,” replied his 77-year-old opponent.
Both candidates returned repeatedly during Lula’s two terms as president from 2003 to 2010, when high commodity prices helped boost the economy and fight poverty. He promised to revive those boom times, while Bolsonaro, 67, said today’s social programs are more effective.
The incumbent president once again attacked his rival over the corruption allegations, which are seen as his “Achilles heel” in seeking a new term.
“With me you will have safety, you will have honesty. There will be no corruption. Do you want me to give you more examples of corruption Lula? Or we can move on,” Bolsonaro said.
For his part, the leftist candidate at one point called his opponent “unbalanced” and denounced the “absurd behavior” of his government over the past four years.
“You isolated Brazil. Today Brazil is more isolated than Cuba. You have nothing to do with anyone. Nobody wants to accept you. No one comes here,” said the 77-year-old.
Lula has a slim lead going into Sunday’s election in Brazil, but his far-right rival has closed the gap. In the first round, held on October 2, Lula came out on top with 48% of the vote, compared to 43% for Jair Bolsonaro. But Bolsonaro’s results were much better than polls had predicted, giving him some campaign momentum in between the two rounds.
Read the News today and get the latest news.
Follow Skai.gr on Google News and be the first to know all the news.
I am currently a news writer for News Bulletin247 where I mostly cover sports news. I have always been interested in writing and it is something I am very passionate about. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and spending time with my family and friends.
