Lula and Bolsonaro trade policy attacks in final debate

With the Brazilian presidential runoff vote two days away, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and challenger Flavio Bolsonaro faced off in the campaign's final debate on Friday.

The candidates focused their exchanges on the economy, infrastructure, and regional development, marking a shift toward policy specifics as the campaign enters its closing hours.

Lula challenged Bolsonaro's plan to cut public spending, comparing the approach to the policies of Argentina's libertarian president, Javier Milei.

Bolsonaro accepted the comparison, arguing that he would perform the same task as Milei because Lula is leaving the country bankrupt.

The senator, son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, accused the incumbent of allowing organized crime to expand and failing to control the high cost of living for families.

Lula responded with personal attacks, stating that Bolsonaro does not know what hunger is or the reality of Brazil.

Bolsonaro countered by asking why prices are so high, while maintaining that he is a capable candidate ready to bring change.

Tensions rose when Bolsonaro used the nickname 'Nine Fingers' for Lula, a pejorative term referencing an industrial accident Lula suffered during his time as a metalworker.

The 80-year-old president demanded an apology, which Bolsonaro provided.

Lula then called his rival a vigilante, citing allegations of ties to paramilitary groups in Rio de Janeiro, while Bolsonaro labeled such groups narcoterrorists.

A third heated moment involved a discussion about a five-year-old killed in a shootout where a police officer represented by Bolsonaro was involved.

Bolsonaro stated he does not believe his client was guilty in the incident that drew public scrutiny during the campaign period.