Michelle Bolsonaro's praise of Lula's deaf‑education policy sparks backlash and PL crisis
Former first lady Michelle Bolsonaro praised the Lula government’s new National Policy for Bilingual Education of Deaf Students, calling it a “dream realized” and emphasizing that defending people with disabilities is "above any ideology or party." She noted that the policy, developed during the previous Bolsonaro administration but delayed by a court case, would improve access and learning for deaf students, whose needs are currently met in only about 12 % of schools.
Her post triggered strong criticism from Bolsonaro supporters, who labeled her a “traitor,” circulated memes showing her wearing PT colors, and accused her of aligning with the left. The controversy amplified an existing rift within the Liberal Party (PL) between Michelle and her son, senator Flávio Bolsonaro, who had recently apologized after a video in which she claimed he humiliated her. The family dispute led Michelle to announce she would leave the presidency of PL Mulher, while party leader Valdemar Costa Neto said she remains the movement’s reference and urged unity. Other PL members, such as Ceará councilwoman Priscila Costa, called for the right‑wing to stay united ahead of the 2026 elections.
The episode highlights internal party tensions that could affect the Bolsonaro bloc’s electoral prospects and underscores the political sensitivity surrounding social‑policy initiatives under a rival administration.