Lula and Flávio Bolsonaro prepare strategy to expose controversies

The president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) and the senator Flávio Bolsonaro (PL), candidates for the Presidency of the Republic, should use a different strategy during the last debate of the second round of the elections of 2026, scheduled for this Friday (23). The intention is to encourage viewers to search on the internet for controversial subjects related to the opponent, seeking to influence the opinion of undecided voters.

The tactic, known as the “Google strategy,” consists of mentioning certain events during the debate and suggesting that the public look for more information about them. According to information released by CNN Brazil journalist Gustavo Uribe, the two campaigns intend to exploit this resource to increase the rejection of the competitor without resorting constantly to direct confrontations.

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The proposal is to combine criticism with the presentation of government proposals, preventing candidates from being seen as overly aggressive on the eve of the vote, scheduled for Sunday (25).

Flávio Bolsonaro should explore INSS and public safety

In the campaign of Flávio Bolsonaro, the expectation is to direct the polls of voters to issues involving the Lula government. Among the subjects that could be mentioned are investigations related to the National Social Security Institute (INSS) scandal, statements by the lobbyist Roberta Luchsinger and the president’s positions on public safety.

The senator should also highlight inflation and crime, topics considered strategic by his team to win votes in this final straight of the presidential dispute.

Lula should address relations and statements of Flávio Bolsonaro

On the petist side, the strategy should explore episodes of the political and professional trajectory of Flávio Bolsonaro. Lula could encourage investigations into the senator’s relationships with former banker Daniel Vorcaro and lawyer Willer Tomaz.

Other subjects foreseen include statements and positions attributed to the PL candidate on Bolsa Família and maternity leave, in addition to his acting as a lawyer in cases involving homicides.

It is important to emphasize that the mention of investigations, personal relationships or professional activities does not, in itself, represent proof of irregularities. While addressing these issues, Lula should prioritize proposals related to health and the economy, especially in the field of business.

There will be rules to prevent provocations.

The final meeting of the presidential candidates will have restrictions established by TV Globo to reduce clashes and provocations during the broadcast. In the first three blocks, the participant who is speaking can circulate through the scenario, while the opponent must remain close to the pulpit itself.

The measure seeks to avoid situations similar to those recorded in the debate promoted by the Band, last Sunday (18), when the movement and the reactions of the candidates provoked complaints.

What time does the debate between Lula and Flávio Bolsonaro begin?

The presidential debate is scheduled to begin at 21:20 this Friday (23), just after the Jornal Nacional, with mediation by journalist César Tralli.

The broadcast will take place on TV Globo, GloboNews, g1 and Globoplay. The meeting represents the last opportunity for direct confrontation between the two candidates on television before the second round of elections, scheduled for October 25.

With the presidential dispute aggravated, the performance of the candidates may have an importance in the decision of the voters who have not yet defined the vote.