Flávio Bolsonaro launches Senate candidacy event in Ceará amid party rift

On 10 July, Senator Flávio Bolsonaro travelled to Fortaleza for a political rally that launched the pre‑candidacy of state deputy Alcides Fernandes for the Senate. The appearance was his first public event in Ceará after a recent clash with ex‑first lady Michelle Bolsonaro over the Liberal Party’s (PL) alliance with former minister Ciro Gomes.

During the rally Flávio announced a package of measures aimed at women, including vouchers that would cover private‑daycare tuition when public slots are unavailable and an expansion of micro‑credit for female entrepreneurs. He also called for tougher penalties for sexual crimes.

In separate statements on the same day, Flávio defended PL president Valdemar Costa Neto after the Supreme Court ordered a freeze of R$ 119 million in assets, accusing the Federal Police of “selective persecution” of political opponents. Former president Jair Bolsonaro posted a letter naming Flávio his “porta‑voz” and urging supporters to unite behind his son’s presidential bid.

The event featured speeches that referred to Jair Bolsonaro as “nosso galego,” while internal party tensions were evident: Michelle Bolsonaro was criticized by allies, and her close associate Priscila Costa was absent, highlighting the ongoing rift within the PL as it prepares for the 2026 elections.