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Pastor Silas Malafaia, leader of the Assembly of God Vitória in Christ (Advec) and an influential figure in the evangelical and political circles, stated in a video published on his social networks this Thursday (18) that senator Flávio Bolsonaro (PL-RJ) had taken advantage of the moment of emotional fragility of his father, former president Jair Bolsonaro, currently in prison, to obtain approval from him for his pre-candidacy for the Presidency of the Republic in 2026. The statement was widely disseminated on the pastor’s digital platforms and echoed by press outlets.
Pastor claims that the senator took advantage of Jair Bolsonaro’s emotional fragility to seek approval for a presidential candidacy in 2026/Photo: Reproduction
In the recording, Malafaia states that the senator acted in isolation and without broad consultation with political leaders when making his intention to contest the next election official, criticizing above all the context in which support was expressed. For him, Bolsonaro would be “emotionally weakened” at the time of the conversation with his son, making the political decision not very strategic for Bolsonarism and the right as a whole.
The religious leader also questioned the electoral viability of a possible candidacy by Flávio Bolsonaro, arguing that the senator does not have the “political muscle” necessary to face a competitive national election and that, in this scenario, a broader project with support from the political center would have a better chance of success. Malafaia even mentioned the possibility of an alternative ticket, with Tarcísio de Freitas and Michelle Bolsonaro, as a more competitive option in 2026.
Malafaia’s statement comes amid the growing debate about the direction of Bolsonarism and its leadership for the next electoral cycle, at a time when Flávio Bolsonaro intensifies contacts with business sectors and seeks to consolidate his image as a candidate. Experts emphasize that his political movements have generated attention and criticism within and outside the group that supports him, with different assessments about the best strategy for the right in the 2026 general elections.
Information Folha de São Paulo
