Flávio Bolsonaro ally's anti‑women remark triggers political backlash in Brazil

Ally of Senate candidate Flávio Bolsonaro, influencer Paulo Figueiredo, said women “don't know how to vote,” sparking a heated response during Brazil's pre‑campaign period. Former Caixa president Daniella Marques defended Bolsonaro, arguing that comments from the political left are "more grotesque" and downplaying the controversy.

Former minister and Senate candidate Simone Tebet denounced Figueiredo's statement as “gravíssimo,” labeling it an attack on both women's rights and Brazilian democracy. Tebet called on men and women to defend equality, linking the remark to an extreme‑right vision that threatens recent advances for female political participation.