Bolsonaro and Lula campaign on security in São Paulo

Flávio Bolsonaro and President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva campaigned in São Paulo on Sunday, October 11, seeking support and setting out contrasting approaches to public security ahead of Brazil’s October 25 presidential runoff. Bolsonaro, a conservative senator and son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, met with reelected São Paulo Governor Tarcísio de Freitas and sought backing from mayors and city councilors. He promised that municipalities would receive more federal funding to combat crime if he wins the presidency, according to remarks reported from the campaign gathering. Lula, who is seeking another term, addressed supporters at a rally on Avenida Paulista. He promised greater federal involvement in public safety and urged young people to vote. He also appealed to older voters, for whom voting is optional after age 70. Public security was a central concern in both candidates’ campaign appearances. The campaigning followed the October 4 first round, in which Bolsonaro received about 47% of the vote and finished ahead of Lula, who trailed by roughly two percentage points. Neither candidate secured a majority, sending them to a runoff.