Flavio Bolsonaro Tapped for Presidential Race by Father Jair Bolsonaro

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has endorsed his son Flavio Bolsonaro for next year's presidential race, altering political dynamics in Brazil. His backing surprises investors who expected a seasoned candidate for the right. This decision may strain ties with centrist allies and impacts Brazilian markets.

Former President Jair Bolsonaro of Brazil has endorsed his son, Flavio Bolsonaro, as the presidential candidate for the right-wing Liberal Party in next year's election. The announcement, made on Friday, stirred financial markets as investors were betting on a more experienced, market-friendly candidate to secure the right's nomination.

Valdemar Costa Neto, the head of the Liberal Party, confirmed Flavio's candidacy, which may disrupt alliances between the party and centrist groups. This decision could impact the chances of challenging the current leftist President, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, in 2026, as many had hoped for a candidate like Sao Paulo Governor Tarcisio de Freitas to lead the charge.

The political landscape in Brazil faces uncertainty, with Flavio Bolsonaro's candidacy potentially dividing the right-center coalition. This move highlights his prominence in the Bolsonaro family's political trajectory, with former President Bolsonaro serving a prison sentence for a failed coup attempt after the 2022 election loss to Lula.

(With inputs from agencies.)