Lula criticizes Flávio Bolsonaro's escape to the USA: "Who doesn't deserve, doesn't fear"

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) criticized on Tuesday (27) the departure of Senator Flávio Bolsonaro (PL-RJ) from Brazil, after the defeat in the presidential elections of 2026. During the celebration of his 81th birthday in Brasilia, Lula criticizes Flávio Bolsonaro’s escape from the Estados Unidos and questions the opponent’s decision to leave the country amid the determinations of Supremo Tribunal Federal (STF).

The demonstration took place during a birthday event of the president, at the Dawn Palace. Lula showed indignation at the attitude of the senator, defeated in the second round of the presidential elections held last Sunday (25).

"Who shouldn't, doesn't fear," the president said, questioning the reasons that led Flávio Bolsonaro to leave Brazilian territory.

According to Lula, the decision represents a lack of respect for the voters who supported the senator’s candidacy and the Brazilian democratic process.

Lula compares the situation to electoral defeats

During the speech, Lula recalled moments of his political trajectory to justify the criticisms of the opponent.

The president mentioned defeats for Mello's Fernando Collor in 1989 and Fernando Henrique Cardoso in the 1994 and 1998 elections. On all these occasions, he stressed that he remained in Brazil and continued to participate in national political life.

Lula also referred to the investigations and legal proceedings he faced during Operação Lava Jato.

According to the president, even in the face of invitations to leave the country during that period, he decided to remain in Brazilian territory to face the accusations and defend his innocence.

In commenting on the judicial determination related to the Flávio Bolsonaro documents, Lula stated that the senator should have complied with the order to hand over the passports.

Flávio Bolsonaro left Brazil after STF decision

The departure of Flávio Bolsonaro came after Minister Alexandre de Moraes of Supremo Tribunal Federal ordered the handing over of his passports and forbade the senator from leaving the country.

The decision was made amid investigations involving the parliamentary. The existence of these procedures does not mean a condemnation.

According to information released by Reuters on Tuesday, the trip to the Estados Unidos was confirmed by a close ally of the senator and a US government source.

On Monday (26), before news of his departure from Brazil, Flavio had released a video stating that he would remain in the country to organize the opposition to the Lula government and contest the judicial measures.

The senator’s defense had not presented an immediate demonstration to Reuters about leaving the country.

President also criticizes Estados Unidos and digital platforms

During the anniversary celebration, Lula broadened his criticism and re-addressed the influence of international agents and digital platforms on Brazilian politics.

The president accused technology companies, financial market sectors and the Estados Unidos government of acting against his candidacy for re-election. The declarations represent Lula’s political assessment and do not, in themselves, constitute proof of electoral interference.

Lula also reinforced his position in defense of national sovereignty, stating that Brazil must make its decisions without submission to foreign interests.

Criticisms of the exit of Flávio Bolsonaro amplify the political repercussion of the result of the 2026 elections and again put into question the relations between Brazil, the Estados Unidos and the Supremo Tribunal Federal.

The episode takes place just two days after the second presidential round and is expected to remain at the center of national political debates.

 

Also Read: U.S. Confirms Visas for Flávio Bolsonaro and Family