Brazilian Sen. Flavio Bolsonaro, the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, is set to be confirmed Saturday as the Liberal Party's presidential candidate, launching his challenge against incumbent President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva despite mounting political obstacles that have complicated the start of his campaign.
The 45-year-old senator has yet to name a running mate and has struggled to secure the backing of key centrist parties that supported his father's successful presidential bid. He is also expected to appear without his stepmother, former first lady Michelle Bolsonaro, at São Paulo's Arena Mercado Livre Pacaembu after the two recently exchanged public criticism.
The convention's biggest attractions will be Argentine President Javier Milei, who is expected to attend, and endorsements promised by several members of President Donald Trump's administration. Even so, the event is likely to draw as much attention for the influential figures who are absent as for those in attendance.
Flavio Bolsonaro has also failed to recruit a prominent female running mate despite efforts to persuade former Agriculture Minister Tereza Cristina to join the ticket. Her Popular Party, a powerful force in Congress that played a crucial role during Jair Bolsonaro's presidency, had been expected to stay out of the presidential race. Its decision to distance itself from Sen. Bolsonaro has emerged as another setback for his campaign.
