Lula or Flávio Bolsonaro? Who performed better in the first debate between the candidates?
Meeting on Band had confrontations on corruption, cost of living, security and health in the final stretch of the second round
The first debate between Lula and Flávio Bolsonaro was marked by personal accusations, charges on corruption and divergences on proposals for the country. The meeting, held last night by the Band in São Paulo, put the candidates face to face with a week of the second round of the presidential election, scheduled for October 25.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) defended the results of his governments and the continuity of social policies. Senator Flávio Bolsonaro (PL) focused criticism on the current administration and promised changes in the economy and the fight against crime. The confrontation lasted approximately two hours.
Accusations involving family members raise the tone
In the first block, Flávio questioned Lula about complaints involving Fábio Luís Lula da Silva, Lulinha, and asked for explanations about his relationship with members of the government. The president replied that the son will testify when summoned and stated that any irregularities should be investigated by the Federal Police.
Lula, in turn, collected clarifications about resources linked to the banker Daniel Vorcaro to finance the film “Dark Horse”, about Jair Bolsonaro. Flavio replied that the money was destined for production and claimed to have already explained the matter. The accusations were made by the candidates during the confrontation and do not represent, in themselves, proof of irregularities.
Economy: prices and debt under discussion
The cost of living was among the main issues. Flavio questioned the price of food, criticized federal spending and promised debt renegotiation, with long-term financing and lower interest rates.
Lula acknowledged that prices weigh on the budget, but defended the valuation of the minimum wage, the distribution of income and the incentive to small businesses. He also cited investments in vocational training and digital economy as ways to increase productivity.
Public Safety Divides Proposals
Flavius advocated tougher penalties, reduced criminal age, and the classification of factions as terrorist organizations. He also proposed monitoring by cameras.
Lula defended the creation of the Ministry of Public Security and greater integration between the Union, states and municipalities. The president also highlighted full-time schools as a tool for crime prevention.
Health and scale of work come into confrontation
In health, Flávio promised “Einstein standard” care at SUS, with integrated electronic records and telemedicine. Lula questioned the proposal, criticized the conduction of the pandemic in the Bolsonaro government and advocated the expansion of the Mais Médicos.
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The end of the 6x1 scale also caused a clash. Asked by Lula about his change of position, Flavio said he began to support the measure after listening to the workers.
Challenge on Transparency
In one of the moments of greatest tension, Lula proposed that both open their financial data before the vote. Flavio claimed to have nothing to hide and attacked his opponent again. A new debate is scheduled for Friday (23), in the TV Globo, before the vote on Sunday (25).
