Folha Poder48 minutes agoPolitics1 min readBrazil

Flávio Bolsonaro says he will guarantee press freedom if elected

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Flávio Bolsonaro (PL) stated that, if elected, he will guarantee freedom of the press in Brazil and accused President Lula of threatening this right, saying that the current government will appoint four ministers to the Supreme Court if re-elected, which would lead to the persecution of the press.

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Why It Matters

Flávio Bolsonaro, senator for PL, made statements about press freedom after voting in Rio de Janeiro in the first round of the 2026 elections, accusing the Lula government of threatening this right and promising to guarantee freedom of expression if elected president.

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Flávio Bolsonaro (PL) stated that he will guarantee press freedom in Brazil, if elected.

"I want to end this mandate of the President of the Republic [Lula] guaranteeing the freedom of the press for all of you, which has been threatened and will continue to be threatened if this current government continues", the senator told journalists, after voting in Rio de Janeiro, this Sunday (4).

"I will always value everyone's freedom to speak out. You can criticize Flávio at will. And the only way for the press to continue criticizing a president of the Republic is if the next president is Flávio Bolsonaro. Otherwise, the president will nominate four ministers of the Supreme Court", he stated.

"There is a clear movement to vote for revolt in this first round. Those who would vote for other candidates are already voting for Flávio Bolsonaro in this first round," he stated.

Flávio attacked Lula by citing taxes and food prices and said that the current president, if re-elected, will persecute the press, without detailing the reason for the statement.

"Brazil needs change and the only way to change is with Flávio Bolsonaro. Otherwise the current president of the Republic will appoint four more ministers to the Supreme Court, the press will be persecuted."

What to Watch

AI outlook — possibilities, not facts

Flávio Bolsonaro will be elected president in 2026
Possible · Within months
The Lula government will appoint four ministers to the Federal Supreme Court if re-elected
Speculative · Within months
The press will be persecuted if Lula is re-elected
Speculative · Within months

Open Questions

What is the specific evidence that the press is being threatened by the current government?
How does Flávio Bolsonaro intend to guarantee press freedom if elected?
Why does he believe that President Lula will nominate four STF ministers if re-elected?
What is the basis for the claim that there is a 'clear movement of revolt voting' in your favor?