Key facts
- Michelle Bolsonaro resigned from her leadership role in the Liberal Party's women's wing due to a dispute with her stepson, Senator Flavio Bolsonaro.
- Michelle Bolsonaro stated Flavio Bolsonaro disrespected and mistreated her, calling his actions a 'stab in the back'.
- Polls show Senator Bolsonaro trailing incumbent President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva significantly among women voters.
- Michelle Bolsonaro has been a key figure in appealing to conservative and evangelical women for the party.
- Senator Bolsonaro is attempting to present a more moderate image than his father, former President Jair Bolsonaro.
A public dispute between Brazilian Senator Flavio Bolsonaro and his stepmother, former first lady Michelle Bolsonaro, is escalating and threatens to undermine his presidential campaign, particularly among women voters. Michelle Bolsonaro resigned from her leadership role in the Liberal Party's women's wing, accusing Flavio of disrespect and mistreatment in a viral video. This rift comes as Flavio Bolsonaro, like his father Jair Bolsonaro before him, struggles to gain traction with female voters, according to recent polls. Michelle Bolsonaro has been a significant asset for the party, effectively reaching conservative and evangelical women. Her departure deprives Flavio of a key campaigner as he seeks to broaden his appeal against incumbent President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Political analysts suggest that in a close election, such internal divisions can significantly impact the outcome. Some voters, like lawyer Thaise Lima, indicated they would consider Michelle's points regarding the representation of women in politics. Michelle Bolsonaro's own political influence grew significantly, especially when her husband, Jair Bolsonaro, was under house arrest. She is reportedly considering a Senate run herself and has been eyed as a potential presidential candidate. The schism with her stepsons has intensified since Flavio launched his campaign, as he tries to position himself as a more moderate figure. Some allies of Flavio have made controversial remarks about women voters, which Flavio Bolsonaro later distanced himself from. Despite the public feud, Flavio Bolsonaro has made efforts to reconcile, holding a meeting with conservative women politicians and expressing respect for Michelle, though she did not attend.