Brazil election: Flávio Bolsonaro and Janja da Silva clash

Brazil's political landscape is facing significant tension following the first round of the 2026 elections, where Flávio Bolsonaro secured a lead over President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The campaign for the second round has intensified, marked by legal disputes and internal friction within the ruling Workers' Party (PT).

Flávio Bolsonaro's campaign has filed a complaint with the Superior Electoral Court (TSE) against First Lady Janja da Silva, accusing her of spreading disinformation regarding social programs and labor laws. Specifically, the Liberal Party (PL) denies claims made by Janja that Flávio intends to abolish the Farmácia Popular program or end the 6x1 work schedule. In response, Carlos Bolsonaro has called for the Supreme Federal Court (STF) to investigate Janja for spreading fake news.

Simultaneously, Janja is facing internal criticism from within the PT. Party members and coordinators have expressed dissatisfaction with her perceived excessive influence on the campaign strategy and her presence at political events, with some suggesting she occupies more space than Vice President Geraldo Alckmin.

In judicial developments, Supreme Court Justice Luiz Fux has ordered access to confidential investigations involving Jair Bolsonaro and his allies, including inquiries into digital militias and vaccine card falsification. Additionally, Justice Edson Fachin has requested the Prosecutor General's Office to clarify its stance on potentially archiving an inquiry regarding Bolsonaro's statements during the COVID-19 pandemic.