Lula and Flavio Bolsonaro trade sharp blows in final pre-vote debate

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Senator Flavio Bolsonaro ended their campaign with a final debate in Rio de Janeiro on Friday. The two met face to face for the last time before voters head to the polls on Sunday. Their exchanges focused on the economy, infrastructure, and regional development, marking a shift toward policy specifics in the final days of the race.

Lula challenged Bolsonaro's plan to cut public spending, comparing the strategy to the methods of Argentine President Javier Milei. Bolsonaro accepted the comparison, arguing that the job was necessary because Lula left the country bankrupt. The incumbent countered by pointing to his opponent's lack of experience, stating that he did not understand the realities of Brazil.

Personal attacks punctuated the discussion despite the generally diplomatic tone of the evening. Bolsonaro referred to Lula as "Nine Fingers," a nickname referencing a metalworking accident. The 80-year-old president demanded an apology, which Bolsonaro granted. Later, Lula called his rival a vigilante, citing allegations of ties to paramilitary groups in Rio. Bolsonaro responded by labeling such groups "narcoterrorists."

The candidates also clashed over social issues. Bolsonaro accused the incumbent of allowing organized crime to grow and failing to control the cost of living. He asked the audience why things were so expensive. Lula responded by questioning his opponent's background, noting that Bolsonaro did not know what hunger felt like.

A Datafolha survey published on Thursday showed the race deadlocked at 50 percent for each candidate. This result erased the four-point lead Bolsonaro held in polls from two weeks prior. The race had tightened after Bolsonaro won the first round of voting on October 4, receiving 47 percent of the vote compared to Lula's 45 percent.

Both candidates are scheduled to meet with supporters in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo for final campaign events before the Sunday vote.