The internal dispute for command of the Bolsonaro camp took on a public profile in recent days after former deputy Eduardo Bolsonaro (PL-SP) criticized the stance of former first lady Michelle Bolsonaro and deputy Nikolas Ferreira (PL-MG) in relation to the pre-candidacy of senator Flávio Bolsonaro (PL-RJ) for the Planalto Palace.
Last week, in an interview with SBT NewsEduardo stated that he did not see clear expressions of support from Michelle for her brother. “I, at least, didn’t see any support from Michelle, any posts in favor of Flávio. She shares Nikolas all the time”, he said. According to him, allies who were elected under the influence of Jair Bolsonaro should have become more involved in the senator’s campaign.
By demanding explicit support, Eduardo brought the consolidation of Flávio’s name as a representative of the group to the center of the debate. Criticism of Michelle’s lack of public demonstrations and Nikolas’ stance exposed differences about how right-wing unity should be built at this time.
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Immediate response
The reaction came the next day. After visiting Jair Bolsonaro in Complexo da Papuda, where the former president is serving his sentence, Nikolas told journalists that “Eduardo is not well” and said he does not intend to waste energy on internal differences. “I believe that we have a Brazil to save”, he declared.
Nikolas also came to the defense of Michelle Bolsonaro. She asked Eduardo to let her “live her ordeal” and highlighted that she is dedicated to her imprisoned husband and her family. The deputy also stated that the criticism “says much more about him” than about the targets of the statements.
The deputy from Minas Gerais is today one of the main digital assets of Bolsonarism and his position has weight in shaping opinion among younger voters.
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Pressure from allies
The tension spread to militancy on social media. Followers began to accuse Michelle for not promoting Flávio’s pre-candidacy and for reposting content from Tarcísio de Freitas criticizing President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT). For part of the base, giving visibility to the governor of São Paulo would be a sign of distancing themselves from the senator.
Michelle reacted to the criticism in a public comment. “For those who are hurting too much: this profile is private and the choice of videos is mine. Feel free to leave”, he wrote.
Michelle occupies a strategic position on this board. In addition to maintaining a strong appeal to female and evangelical voters, she has already been considered as vice-president in a possible composition led by Tarcísio de Freitas (Republicans).
Flávio, in turn, has adopted a discourse of unity. In interviews, he states that conservatives need to remain cohesive to face the PT in the October elections, which he refers to as the “dark party”.
Bolsonaro’s influence
The tense environment occurs while Jair Bolsonaro continues to influence political articulations despite being imprisoned. Frequent visits by parliamentarians and statements about lists of candidates for the Senate indicate that the former president still plays a central role in the coordination.
According to a publication by Carlos Bolsonaro (PL-RJ) on the X network, , the former president is being isolated from decisions. Carlos shared an excerpt from a statement by Valdemar Costa Neto, president of the PL, according to which the party defines candidacies for governor and that Jair’s list would only be “guesses”.
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In another post, Carlos stated that his father prepares a list of pre-candidates for the Senate, state governments and other relevant positions. In recent days, politicians have visited Bolsonaro in Papuda to discuss electoral compositions.
The clash between Eduardo, Michelle and Nikolas highlights differences over protagonism, strategy and communication within Bolsonarism. The public statements made visible a debate that was being conducted behind the scenes of the party and on social media among the conservative base.
