Jair Bolsonaro Confirms Son Flávio's Presidential Candidacy from Hospital Bed
Brasília - Former President of Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro, confirmed his son Senator Flávio Bolsonaro's pre-candidacy for the 2026 presidential elections while being hospitalized for a hernia surgery.
Bolsonaro's Health and Legal Troubles
Jair Bolsonaro, 70, underwent a successful bilateral inguinal hernia correction surgery on Thursday at DF Star Hospital in Brasília, according to Folha de S.Paulo and Al Jazeera English. The operation, which doctors expected to take around four hours, was Bolsonaro's eighth surgery since being stabbed during the 2018 election campaign.
The former leader, who was sentenced to a 27-year imprisonment for plotting a coup after losing the 2022 presidential election, was allowed to leave the police complex for the first time since the end of November to undergo the procedure. This release was authorized by Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who ordered police to stay outside the room where computers and mobile phones were prohibited.
Flávio's Presidential Bid
While in the hospital, Bolsonaro took the opportunity to confirm his son Flávio's pre-candidacy. Flávio Bolsonaro, 44, is a senator for the state of Rio de Janeiro. His father's endorsement comes from the hospital bed and was confirmed by a signed letter, as reported by Folha de S.Paulo.
Flávio's presidential campaign has already sparked discussions among political and religious leaders. Pastor Silas Malafaia publicly opposed his candidacy, causing speculation about a possible rift between him and the former president. Flávio's candidacy has also caused relief for São Paulo Mayor Ricardo Nunes, who now expects to complete his term without pressure from the Bolsonaro family.
Family Rifts and Political Scenarios
However, the family appears divided over the former president's decision to give an authorized interview from prison. Michelle Bolsonaro, the former first lady, and Jair Bolsonaro's lawyers are firmly against the idea, while Senator Flávio Bolsonaro has expressed support.
Carlos Bolsonaro's insistence on his Senate candidacy for Santa Catarina, despite a vacancy in Rio de Janeiro due to Flávio's decision to run for the presidency, has been interpreted as a sign that the brother may back out of the national election. However, this is dismissed by the family, as reported by Folha de S.Paulo.
Conclusion
As Jair Bolsonaro recovers from his surgery, with his hospital stay anticipated to last between five to seven days, the political landscape in Brazil continues to evolve with Flávio's candidacy. The former president's endorsement from the hospital bed underscores the ongoing influence of the Bolsonaro family in Brazilian politics, despite Jair Bolsonaro's legal troubles.