The top brass of the federal government began instructing its allies to take an offensive position against the senator (PL-RJ), the president’s likely main opponent () in the .
The order should mark a change in the way the government deals with the growth of (PL)’s son in electoral polls.
In recent weeks and months, there has not been a coordinated movement by Lula’s allies to try to deconstruct Flávio’s image because there was a fear that he would become unviable. Lulistas prefer to contest the election against the senator than compete against the governor of , (Republicans).
Tarcísio was tipped to be a candidate for Planalto until the former president nominated Flávio, his eldest son, to represent his political group in the national election. The governor of São Paulo could appear as a plan B for Bolsonarism if the senator sinks in the polls.
What happened was the opposite. Flávio Bolsonaro not only did not sink but tied with Lula in voting intentions for the second round, as well. The assessment at the top of the government now is that the candidacy of Jair Bolsonaro’s son has become a fait accompli.
The guidance was transmitted on Tuesday (17) by the Minister of the General Secretariat, to PT deputies at a lunch in the Chamber. The minister stated that it was his personal assessment, but PT deputies understood it as a message from Lula himself and that Boulos was being a kind of spokesperson for the president.
Social movements were also advised by Lulistas to “turn the key”, as allies reported to Sheetto get into the rhythm of the electoral campaign.
Lula’s supporters are betting that comparisons between the current government and Bolsonaro’s and constant mentions of episodes such as investigations into “cracks” in Flávio’s office when he was a state deputy in Rio de Janeiro could wear down the opponent. The investigations were collected.
Furthermore, Lulistas target the moderate image that Flávio seeks to project.
Also on Tuesday, the PT released a political resolution with direct attacks on Bolsonaro’s son. “This is a parliamentarian marked by accusations and investigations involving crack schemes, suspicious financial transactions and a history of enrichment incompatible with public life”, states the document, which serves to guide the actions of PT activists.
The appointed Lula with 46% of voting intentions for the second round, against 43% for Flávio. The two are tied within the margin of error of plus or minus two percentage points.
Government officials interviewed by the report believe that the senator from Rio de Janeiro managed to quickly reach this level because he was moving without a clear movement from his opponents against him.
They also mention that Flávio’s numbers in the polls are consistent with the result obtained by his father in the 2022 election. That year, Lula was elected with 50.9% of the valid votes, against 49.1% for Jair Bolsonaro.
By this reasoning, the senator would have kept the former president’s electoral assets until now. A new rise for Flávio in the polls would be a more alarming sign for PT members: it would show a migration movement of voters from Lula to his opponent.
The PT offensive against Flávio should not, in principle, involve direct participation from Lula — except for specific interventions, depending on the circumstances.
The plan is for the head of government to keep his speech focused on the delivery of works and other Executive measures. The most direct attacks on the opposing political group will be carried out by the Congressional bench and allies such as Boulos and the Minister of Institutional Relations, .
Government officials also seek to prevent new stress from affecting management. The government has been taking measures, for example, to contain diesel prices and try to avoid a truck drivers’ strike. A strike in the category, say Lulistas, could have a major economic impact and reduce the president’s popularity.
