Michelle Bolsonaro‑Flávio Bolsonaro feud strains PL party unity

The ex‑first lady Michelle Bolsonaro posted two videos alleging that her son‑in‑law, Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, humiliated and “maltratou” (mistreated) her during a phone call about the Liberal Party’s (PL) alliance with Ciro Gomes in Ceará. She said he was “very harsh” and told her to stay out of party decisions, adding that she felt “punhalada” (stabbed) by him.

Flávio responded with a public apology, stating “in no moment did I offend or intend to offend Michelle,” and reiterated his respect for her work with PL Mulher. He invited her to a women‑leaders meeting and said the party must stay united to defeat the current government.

Party president Valdemar Costa Neto and other PL leaders publicly downplayed the dispute, emphasizing internal dissent as normal and urging focus on the upcoming 2026 presidential race. Analysts noted that the conflict could affect the party’s appeal to its key female evangelical base and influence the selection of a vice‑presidential candidate, as Michelle heads PL Mulher and commands a large network of women supporters.

Overall, the episode has become a prominent flashpoint within the Bolsonaro family and the PL, raising questions about cohesion ahead of the 2026 elections.