Flavio Bolsonaro launches Brazil campaign with Milei, Netanyahu backing

Brazilian Senator Flavio Bolsonaro launched his presidential campaign on Saturday at the Liberal Party (PL) national convention in Brasília, vowing to cut taxes and crack down on crime while positioning himself as the heir to his father Jair Bolsonaro's right-wing legacy. In a dramatic show of international support, the event featured a pre-recorded message from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a shout-out from Argentine President Javier Milei, signaling the campaign's alignment with global conservative figures.

A Platform of Tax Cuts and Law-and-Order

Flavio Bolsonaro, 45, a senator from Rio de Janeiro, outlined a platform centered on economic liberalization and public security. He pledged to reduce the tax burden on businesses and individuals, streamline bureaucracy, and bolster police powers to combat organized crime and urban violence. The senator criticized the current left-leaning administration for fiscal mismanagement and rising crime rates, promising to restore order and prosperity. His proposals echo the populist rhetoric of his father, who governed Brazil from 2019 to 2022 and remains a powerful influence on the country's conservative base.

International Endorsements: Milei and Netanyahu

The convention highlighted Flavio Bolsonaro's growing ties with international right-wing leaders. Netanyahu, in a video message, praised the Bolsonaro family's commitment to strengthening Israel-Brazil relations and expressed confidence in Flavio's leadership. Argentine President Milei, known for his libertarian views, also voiced support, calling the senator a "true ally for freedom." These endorsements are seen as efforts to bolster Flavio's credentials on the global stage and attract voters who admire strongman figures. Analysts note that Milei's backing may help appeal to economically conservative voters in Brazil's southern regions, while Netanyahu's support reinforces the candidate's pro-Israel stance, a key issue for evangelical Christian voters who constitute a significant bloc.

Carrying the Bolsonaro Legacy

Throughout his speech, Flavio Bolsonaro emphasized continuity with his father's administration, which was marked by controversial environmental policies, combative rhetoric, and a robust push for conservative social values. He promised to defend family values, protect gun ownership rights, and combat corruption—though critics point to the elder Bolsonaro's own legal troubles and ongoing investigations. The campaign's reliance on the Bolsonaro name is a double-edged sword: it energizes the party's base but also invites scrutiny of the family's political record. Political observers say Flavio must differentiate himself from his father's polarizing tenure while still capitalizing on his father's loyal supporters.

Looking Ahead: A Tight Race?

Brazil's presidential election is scheduled for October 2026, and Flavio Bolsonaro is expected to face a crowded field, including candidates from the left and center. Polls currently show him trailing the incumbent, but his camp hopes that strong international backing and a disciplined campaign can close the gap. The Liberal Party's strong organizational machinery and access to campaign funds will be critical. As the campaign unfolds, Flavio Bolsonaro will need to navigate domestic economic challenges, environmental scrutiny, and the legacy of his father's administration. The next few months will test whether the Bolsonaro brand can still win in Brazil's largest democracy.