Flávio Bolsonaro changes campaign communications chief after R$134 m scandal

Senator Flávio Bolsonaro (PL‑RJ) removed Marcello Lopes, who had been coordinating communication for his pre‑presidential campaign, and appointed advertising executive Eduardo Fischer. The change followed an Intercept Brasil report that revealed a negotiation with banker Daniel Vorcaro for R$134 million to finance a film about former President Jair Bolsonaro, raising questions about the source and use of the money. Federal police are investigating whether the funds were diverted to cover expenses for Eduardo Bolsonaro, the senator’s brother.

Polls show the Vorcaro episode has cut Flávio’s support by about six points. In response, Senate candidate Simone Tebet (PSB) said Flávio Bolsonaro would be “easy to defeat” and expressed confidence that former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva could beat him in a second‑round presidential runoff.