Brazil, first television debate between Lula and Bolsonaro tomorrow, 7 days after the vote

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, of the Workers' Party (PT, left), and Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, of the Liberal Party (PL, right), will compete tomorrow in the first television debate in view of the presidential run-off on 25 October, broadcast by the Band broadcaster.

Welfare, crime and public finances will be at the center of the discussion, in a challenge that the latest polls indicate in a situation of technical parity.

Lula will focus on the possible effects of cuts to social programs in the event of his opponent's victory, while Bolsonaro will focus on public safety. On the economic front, Lula intends to ask for clarifications on the fiscal adjustment plan of 200 billion reais, around 35 billion euros, announced by his rival, while Bolsonaro will raise the issues of the cost of living and growing public spending in recent years. According to the O Globo newspaper, both campaigns see the debate as an important opportunity to win over undecided voters in the last week before the vote.