Flavio Bolsonaro Leaves Brazil for the United States After Election Defeat

Defeated Senate candidate Flavio Bolsonaro arrived in Miami late on Tuesday, escorted by his brother Eduardo. The right-wing politician, son of former president Jair Bolsonaro, had refused to accept the presidential result that gave Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva a historic fourth term. Official results showed Bolsonaro received 48.25 % of the vote while Lula secured 51.75 %. Bolsonaro’s campaign announced it would seek to annul the outcome, alleging voter irregularities and a two-hour Supreme Court-ordered voting extension.

The Independent

Brazilian authorities had ordered Bolsonaro to surrender his passports within 24 hours as part of a money-laundering probe, a directive he ignored. Despite the court order, the Trump administration granted visas to Bolsonaro and his family, enabling the departure. Argentine officials denied that the plane spotted near Iguazú International Airport was linked to the family, and a spokesperson for Argentine President Javier Milei said, “There is no asylum request.”

The Independent

President Lula condemned the exit as “shameful,” insisting Bolsonaro should have remained in Brazil to prove his innocence. The Ministry of Security of Argentina also refuted reports that Bolsonaro had entered the country.

The Independent

• “It is impossible to recognise the election results, given the circumstances under which things unfolded,” — Flavio Bolsonaro, jailed former president

The Independent

• “If I have any comments to make on any matter, I will get in ?touch.” — Eduardo

The Independent

Bolsonaro’s eight-year Senate term expires on 31 January 2027, at which point he will lose the special jurisdiction his office confers at the Supreme Court. Observers warn that his refusal to concede could trigger protests, given Brazil’s recent strains on electoral confidence and judicial independence.

The Independent