Far right on the march and Lula’s failures: key drivers of Flávio Bolsonaro’s Brazil surge
Experts say strength of evangelical church and stubbornness of Lula, 80, also helped propel Jair Bolsonaro’s son to first-round election win
TL;DR
- Flávio Bolsonaro's shock first-round win is attributed to deep roots of Bolsonarismo in Brazilian society, despite Jair Bolsonaro's conviction.
- The expanding evangelical church plays a crucial role, with leaders acting as canvassers for the Bolsonaro family.
- Urban violence and the promise of easy solutions like increased police action appeal to a scared electorate.
- Lula's campaign focused on sovereignty and rare earth reserves, potentially neglecting immediate voter concerns such as debt, food costs, and insecurity.
- Some critics draw parallels between Lula and Joe Biden, citing stubbornness and a perceived disconnection from reality due to age.
- The global advance of the social media-savvy far-right, fueled by a rage against classical political elites, is seen as a broader trend.