Lula and Flavio Bolsonaro Trade Attacks in Rio Debate as Polls Show Dead Heat

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and challenger Flavio Bolsonaro clashed on spending, crime and living costs in their final debate Friday, two days before Sunday's runoff. The encounter took place in Rio de Janeiro and aired on TV Globo.

Lula attacked Bolsonaro's plan to cut public spending with a "chainsaw," comparing it to the approach of Argentina's President Javier Milei. Bolsonaro responded, "I'll have the same job here [as Milei in Argentina] because you're leaving the country bankrupt."

Bolsonaro, a senator and son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, accused the incumbent of allowing organised crime to spread, pushing families into debt, and failing to lower the cost of living. Lula replied, "He doesn't know what hunger is." Bolsonaro asked, "Why are things so expensive?" Lula added, "He doesn't know Brazil," questioning his rival's experience.

Tensions rose when Bolsonaro used the nickname "Nine Fingers" for Lula, a reference to an accident the president suffered while working as a metalworker. Lula, 80, requested an apology, which Bolsonaro provided. Lula later called Bolsonaro a vigilante over allegations linking him to paramilitary groups in Rio de Janeiro; Bolsonaro said he would classify such groups as "narcoterrorists". A third exchange involved the mother of a five-year-old killed in a shootout that included a police officer whose lawyer was Bolsonaro; the candidate said he does not believe his client was guilty.

Polling has tightened. Bolsonaro led the October 4 first round with 47 percent to Lula's 45 percent. A Datafolha survey published Thursday shows both at 50 percent, erasing the four-point lead Bolsonaro held in polls from two weeks earlier.

Both candidates plan to join supporters in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo for a final campaign push before Sunday's vote.