Original article: «¿Ya pediste prestada la motosierra de Milei?»: Lula interpela a Flávio Bolsonaro en primer cara a cara rumbo al balotaje

Lula Challenges Flávio Bolsonaro in First Face-Off Ahead of Runoff Election: «Have You Borrowed Milei’s Chainsaw?»

«Have you borrowed Milei’s chainsaw?» asked Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva as he confronted right-wing candidate Flávio Bolsonaro in their first direct debate ahead of the runoff election scheduled for Sunday, October 25.

The incumbent, who is seeking re-election with the Workers’ Party, questioned the Liberal Party candidate about his intentions to adopt an economic model that includes severe cuts, a privatization agenda, and setbacks on social rights imposed by Argentine President Javier Milei, should he win the second round.

«I asked if you’re going to follow the economic model of your economic advisor, who claims he is the model to emulate,» Lula said, referring to Daniella Marques, Bolsonaro’s economic campaign coordinator, who defends the so-called “libertarian” model applied in the neighboring country.

«Do you know how poverty is in Argentina?» Do you know the unemployment rate? If you don’t know, read up so you don’t keep saying you will follow Milei,» the progressive leader asserted.

«My Model is Lula’s»

He also asked his opponent if he was willing to privatize public healthcare or the state-owned oil company Petrobras, and questioned whether the budget cuts he proposes would freeze the minimum wage and pensions for Brazilians.

Lula emphasized that he has developed his own program without foreign interference, stating: «My model is Lula’s.» It is a model that drives economic growth and boasts the largest social inclusion program in the history of this nation, he underlined.

Lula Dares Bolsonaro to Reveal His Bank Accounts

Flávio Bolsonaro lashed out at the president’s eldest son, businessman Fábio Luís Lula da Silva, known as Lulinha, following statements from lobbyist Roberta Luchsinger, who is under investigation by the Federal Police for alleged influence peddling. «She is associated with your son. Where is Lulinha?» the far-right candidate and senator demanded.

Lula responded that the case is in the hands of the Federal Police, and that his son has opened his bank accounts and phone to investigators, affirming that he will appear before authorities.

Additionally, he questioned how Flávio had spent the money from imprisoned banker Daniel Vorcaro, who in a conversation allegedly offered up to 133 million reais (around 27 million euros), a question that the PL candidate dodged whenever it was raised again, as reported by TeleSUR.

The president further confronted Flávio Bolsonaro regarding the luxurious residence he purchased in Brasilia, which was fully paid for in cash.

«Flávio, there has been much talk of corruption here. I’m going to make you a proposal. I challenge you: let’s open our bank accounts tomorrow and lift the secrecy of our phone communications, so the Brazilian people know who the thief is in this country. So that the people know who the thief is,» he insisted.

«Open your phone records and your bank accounts. I will open mine along with my family’s, and you open yours. And we will go to court,» he emphasized.

Subordination to Trump

During the debate, Bolsonaro reiterated his promise to include Brazil in the Shield of the Americas, a controversial initiative sponsored by U.S. President Donald Trump, prompting Lula to accuse him of «subordinating» to the interests of Washington.

«Your brother (Eduardo Bolsonaro) is hiding in the United States, conspiring against Brazil, asking (U.S. President Donald) Trump to intervene in Brazil. And the Brazilian people have realized that the Bolsonaro family is subordinated to U.S. interests. It’s evident. Your brother is out there exerting pressure, instigating a coup against Brazil,» he charged.

The Liberal Party candidate promised that if elected, he would ensure there is «money in people’s pockets» and bring «prosperity» to the population. Meanwhile, Lula acknowledged that inflation is a scourge affecting citizens and recalled that figures were higher during the administration of former president Jair Bolsonaro (2019-2022), Flávio’s father, who is currently under house arrest after being convicted of attempting a coup against himself.

He also linked inflation to rising fuel prices caused by «the war instigated by Trump, Bolsonaro’s ‘friend.’«

Amid that tension, the president turned to the camera to address his adversary’s father with irony that elicited the evening’s only breath of relief. «Bolsonaro, tell your son that Lula is better,» he quipped.

The far-right candidate referred to the figure that 73% of incarcerated people voted for the Workers’ Party leader, a misleading fact as it pertains to the voting districts where prisons are located, whose voters do not consist solely of the incarcerated population.

Lula’s response was swift: «What I want is for 100% of people to vote for me, even your father. He knows you, he knows you and he knows I am better than you.»

«(Jair) Bolsonaro, vote for me,» he stated before the television cameras.