Rio de Janeiro City Council member Carlos Bolsonaro (PL) has confirmed that his father, Jair Bolsonaro (PL), has nominated his brother Flavio to run for president next year. It also reduced the negative market reaction to this announcement.
“The market is doing very well, close to 15% or more than 15% interest rates. And when you introduce a name that can reduce that profit margin, it makes sense for the market to be worried. The market is worried about the money, not worried about the public,” Carlos said.
The dollar closed 2.33% higher and the stock market fell 4.30% on Friday (5), following the news that former President Flavio, a Rio de Janeiro senator from the Liberal Party, was chosen as his presidential candidate in the 2026 elections. The preferred name of financial agents was that of the governor of São Paulo, Tarcisio de Freitas (Republicans).
Carlos, who was in São Paulo to receive greetings from ALSP (Legislative Assembly of São Paulo) with federal Rep. Mario Frias (PL-SP), said he had no details about his brother’s candidacy.
He added: “I only know that my father decided so and we will support him. That’s all, but I cannot give you details because, unfortunately, I do not have information.”
“I learned from my father’s lawyer that my father made this decision right there in Brasilia.”
The advisor said he was not concerned about negative reactions from centrist parties that maintain their preference for the São Paulo governor as a presidential candidate.
“I’m not worried about the position, no,” he said. “Everything Bolsonaro decides has been decided.”
He called Tarcísio a friend and said they would be together.
“I am sure that Tarcísio is an ally of ours, he is a friend of ours, and I believe that if there is a problem – or if there is, I don’t think there is one -, everyone will join the line like Tarcísio,” he said. “Give him a big hug.”
The governor was expected to receive Bolsonaro’s nomination to run for president, although he says he will seek re-election in São Paulo.
Before the interview, during the event, when giving his acceptance speech, Frias said that Flavio’s nomination was “very important” news and called for unity on the right around the senator.
“The message (with the nomination) is the following: Unity is yes as long as it is around Jair Bolsonaro,” he said.
The chancellor’s brother, federal MP Eduardo Bolsonaro (PL-SP), was treated as a “political exile who deserves all our support” at the beginning of the ceremony, during a speech by state MP Gil Diniz (PL).
Shortly before the event began, about 20 students staged a protest against the awarding of the honor to the council member, chanting slogans against the pardon of Jair Bolsonaro.