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Flávio Bolsonaro Declares 2026 Presidential Bid 'Irreversible' as Markets React

Investing.com
10:55 PM, 12/09/2025

Senator Flávio Bolsonaro declared his 2026 presidential run "irreversible" after visiting his father, former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is serving a 27-year sentence linked to an alleged coup plot. Flávio confirmed he will challenge President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and said his campaign will now step up outreach. The announcement unsettled markets, but São Paulo Governor Tarcísio de Freitas has publicly pledged his support. Flávio framed market concerns as fear that Lula could remain in power for another four years.

Brazilian Senator Flávio Bolsonaro said on Tuesday that his decision to run for president in 2026 is "irreversible," confirming he intends to challenge President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in the next national election.

The announcement followed a weekend in which the senator had hinted he might step aside. He made the comments to reporters after visiting his father, former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is serving a 27-year prison sentence related to an alleged coup plot after his 2022 election loss to Lula.

"I told him this candidacy is irreversible," Flávio Bolsonaro said. "And in his own words, 'we will not turn back.' Now it is time to talk to people so we can have the right people on our side."

Flávio had revealed on Friday that his father backed the presidential bid — a development that unsettled investors who had expected a more market-friendly, experienced figure such as São Paulo Governor Tarcísio de Freitas to consolidate right-wing support.

Despite market unease, Tarcísio de Freitas announced on Monday that he would back Flávio Bolsonaro’s candidacy. Flávio acknowledged the negative market reaction, saying it reflected concerns that President Lula could remain in power for another four years.

What This Means

Flávio Bolsonaro’s formal commitment keeps the right’s internal contest alive and reshapes campaign calculations ahead of 2026. His candidacy ties the Bolsonaro name directly to the race despite legal and political baggage surrounding his father, while the endorsement from Tarcísio de Freitas signals a consolidation of part of the right-wing coalition.

Analysts say markets reacted to the prospect of a less predictable policy mix if a Bolsonaro candidacy were to prevail, but Flávio and his allies are now seeking to build momentum and broaden support through outreach ahead of the next election cycle.

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