Flávio Bolsonaro, brother of former president Jair Bolsonaro, announced on Wednesday that he considers himself the true president‑elect of Brazil, a claim he made after relocating with his family to the United States.
In his statement, Bolsonaro insisted that the October 25 election was marred by a “mathematical impossibility” of more than 10 million votes for President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva between the first and second rounds, a figure he says is unverified and lacks evidence.
He accused the Supreme Federal Court of orchestrating a campaign of political persecution, warning that ongoing judicial action could expand from passport seizure to electronic monitoring, house arrest and eventual conviction, though no arrest warrant has yet been issued.
Bolsonaro thanked former US President Donald Trump and Argentine President Javier Milei for their support, positioning his move as a strategic retreat to safeguard his family and continue political activity from abroad.
The senator pledged to lead the opposition from Washington, naming Senator Rogério Marinho as his candidate for Senate president and promising a strategy to mobilise supporters who feel silenced in Brazil.
The Liberal Party has already recognised the official election result, calling for the issues raised in the campaign to be addressed through democratic debate, while Bolsonaro’s challenge escalates tensions ahead of the next national political showdown.