Flávio Bolsonaro labeled a criminal by presidential hopeful Renan Santos

Renan Santos, the pre‑candidate for the presidency representing the Mission party, said Senator Flávio Bolsonaro cannot defeat President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in a 2026 runoff and called the senator a “criminal.” Santos accused Bolsonaro of using Brasília to conduct business, amassing wealth through real‑estate deals, and being linked to a series of scandals.

He cited Bolsonaro’s connections to former Belford Roxo mayor Márcio Canella, who was arrested with a restricted‑use rifle, and to former state deputies Rodrigo Bacellar and TH Joias, detained on suspicion of ties to the Comando Vermelho criminal organization. Santos also criticized the Novo party for being subservient to Bolsonaro’s agenda and mentioned Bolsonaro’s financing of a film about his father’s political career through businessman Daniel Vorcaro. He rejected the notion of being a “third way” in the race, insisting he must be the sole viable alternative to Lula and Bolsonaro.