Lula and Bolsonaro clash in final debate before Brazil runoff

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Senator Flávio Bolsonaro held their final televised debate before Brazil’s presidential runoff on Friday, October 23, in a calmer exchange that still featured personal attacks and accusations. The candidates faced each other on TV Globo two days before voters choose between them, with polls indicating a close race. The debate lasted more than two hours and covered the cost of living, welfare, public security, infrastructure and regional development. Lula defended his government’s wage increases and efforts to reduce hunger, while Bolsonaro criticized food prices and the government’s tax reform. Both candidates presented campaign positions as they sought to appeal to undecided voters. The exchange was generally more measured than their earlier debate, but tensions rose over personal remarks. Bolsonaro apologized after calling Lula “nine fingers,” a reference to the finger Lula lost in a workplace accident while working in a factory. Lula demanded a retraction and described the nickname as an insult. Bolsonaro apologized, then challenged Lula to apologize to Brazilians facing insecurity. The candidates also traded allegations related to...