Michelle Bolsonaro’s exit sparks internal PL crisis and reconciliation push

Ex‑first lady Michelle Bolsonaro left the presidency of the PL Mulher faction after a public dispute with her son, senatorial pre‑candidate Flávio Bolsonaro. Party president Valdemar Costa Neto said the PL will not name a successor, stating “we have no one at the level of Michelle – she has great communication power, a good image and dedication.” He added that the national PL Mulher post may be abolished, leaving only autonomous state branches. Valdemar announced a 20‑day effort to reconcile Michelle and Flávio before the party’s national convention on 25 July, warning that “without unity we will lose the election.” Flávio Bolsonaro said he is ready to wait for Michelle’s decision to join his campaign. A recent poll identified Michelle as the most powerful woman in Brazil. The party plans to use her influence to support female candidates and is considering her Senate run for the Distrito Federal, while also exploring other women such as Fernanda Bolsonaro to appeal to female voters.