'Liar,' 'clown': Lula and Bolsonaro spar in Brazil debate

Firing off personal attacks, Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and right-wing senator Flavio Bolsonaro held an acrimonious first debate, a week before a tight presidential election runoff.

A chaotic exchange between the two men, who called each other liars on multiple occasions, accusing each other of corruption and dragging up various scandals, encapsulated the tone of a bitter election campaign in the deeply polarized nation.

While Mr Bolsonaro has led in polls since the first round, his edge slightly narrowed in two polls this week which showed him with 51% of voting intentions compared to 49% for Mr Lula.

Mr Bolsonaro, son of the far-right former president Jair Bolsonaro, secured a shock first-round lead over Mr Lula earlier this month and polls predict a close battle for the runoff on 25 October.

The two men sparred over the economy, public security, healthcare, corruption, and Brazil's ties to the United States.

"Brazil is going to retire you," said Flavio Bolsonaro, seeking to unnerve his adversary by pacing up and down behind him throughout the debate in view of the camera, shaking his head, smirking and scoffing while his adversary spoke.

Mr Lula called Mr Bolsonaro "a habitual liar, a thug," and said he did not want to stand close to a "militiaman," alluding to his alleged ties to Rio de Janeiro's paramilitary groups.

Mr Bolsonaro, who made several jabs about Mr Lula's time jailed for corruption on charges that were later annulled, retorted that it was better he stay at a distance "because my wallet could be stolen."

Mr Lula, who at almost 81 is seeking a fourth term in power, battled to control his irritation at times and repeatedly asked viewers to "look it up on Google" to prove his adversary was lying.

'Subservient' to US interests

Mr Bolsonaro hammered away at the primary concerns of Brazilians - such as the cost of living and insecurity - and accused Mr Lula of "reckless spending to get re-elected" due to various social measures he has announced while campaigning.

Mr Lula countered by asking Mr Bolsonaro about his plans to emulate the drastic "chainsaw" cuts to public spending implemented by Argentina's libertarian President Javier Milei, which led to higher unemployment and cuts to benefits.

Throughout the debate, Mr Bolsonaro dodged the question and pivoted to different topics.

Mr Lula questioned the right winger's his ties to US President Donald Trump - an ally of the Bolsonaro family - and plans to "hand over" Brazil's rare earth minerals.

"It is striking how the Bolsonaro family is subservient to American interests," said Mr Lula.

Former president Jair Bolsonaro came up several times, including when his son asked Mr Lula why so many prisoners had supported him in the election.

Mr Lula said he wanted all of their votes, including that of Jair Bolsonaro - who is currently serving a 27-year sentence under house arrest for a botched coup bid after his failed 2022 re-election bid.

"Vote for me, Bolsonaro, you know your son, you know I'm better than him."