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[POLITICS] · Brazil · 93 sources

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Brazil 2026 Presidential Debate proceeds with three candidates after major absences FAST-MOVING

The first presidential debate for the 2026 Brazilian elections, organized by Grupo Bandeirantes, took place in São Paulo on Sunday, August 23. The event saw significant absences from the leading candidates. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva did not attend, opting instead for a simultaneous interview with TV Record. Senator Flávio Bolsonaro also declined to participate, stating he would only join debates that feature a direct confrontation with Lula.

Romeu Zema, the former governor of Minas Gerais, also withdrew from the debate following the confirmed absences of the two frontrunners. Consequently, the debate featured only three participants: Ronaldo Caiado, Renan Santos, and Augusto Cury.

During the session, candidates exchanged sharp criticisms. Renan Santos labeled the absences of Lula and Bolsonaro a “shame” and criticized the Record network for its interview with the president. Ronaldo Caiado accused the current administration of being complicit with criminal factions in the Amazon. Meanwhile, Flávio Bolsonaro released a video defending his absence by focusing his campaign on the economic impact of the current administration.

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Augusto Cury · Flávio Bolsonaro · Grupo Bandeirantes · Grupo Bandeirantes de Comunicação · Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva · Renan Santos · Romeu Zema · Ronaldo Caiado

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