Lula skips final presidential debate; Flavio Bolsonaro becomes main target

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) will not attend the final presidential debate hosted by TV Globo on Thursday, October 1, the last before Sunday's first-round election. His campaign informed the broadcaster on Wednesday, September 30, choosing instead a live interview on the Flow Podcast airing simultaneously.

The decision followed internal debate: some allies feared Lula would absorb attacks from all rivals, while others argued his presence was vital for final exposure. His absence shifts focus to Flavio Bolsonaro (PL), who leads polls among attending candidates with 34% versus Lula's 39% in a recent Quaest survey.

“You cannot imagine an electoral campaign where candidates are not present to present their defenses and answer what society needs to know.”

Flavio confirmed participation despite warnings from part of his team that he would become the primary target for rivals Ronaldo Caiado (PSD), Augusto Cury (Avante), and Romeu Zema (Novo). Zema secured his spot via a Supreme Electoral Court (TSE) ruling by Justice Kassio Nunes Marques recognizing Novo's parliamentary representation.

Caiado framed debate attendance as "respect for democracy," arguing candidates must present defenses and answer society's questions. He aims to differentiate his candidacy from both the Lula government and Bolsonarismo. Zema and Cury have not detailed specific debate strategies.