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Flávio Bolsonaro Apologizes After “Nine Fingers” Remark in Debate

By Drooid · Oct 24, 2026, 10:50 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Senator Flávio Bolsonaro debated on TV Globo before the runoff.
During the two-hour Rio de Janeiro debate, Flávio Bolsonaro called Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva “nine fingers,” then apologized.
Flávio Bolsonaro led the first round with 47% to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s 45%, prompting a tight runoff.

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Story summary

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Senator Flávio Bolsonaro debated on TV Globo before the runoff.
During the two-hour Rio de Janeiro debate, Flávio Bolsonaro called Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva “nine fingers,” then apologized.
Flávio Bolsonaro led the first round with 47% to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s 45%, prompting a tight runoff.