Brazilian bishops warn against Flávio Bolsonaro

A group of 35 Brazilian bishops signed a letter warning that presidential candidate Flávio Bolsonaro threatens democracy, national sovereignty, and the common good. The letter, published in the newspaper Folha de S. Paulo, comes two days before the October 25 runoff election between Bolsonaro and the incumbent president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

The bishops stated that a Bolsonaro victory would cause Brazil to submit to the United States and expressed support for Lula da Silva.

Bolsonaro, a candidate for the Liberal Party and son of former president Jair Bolsonaro, won the first round of the election with 47% of the vote. His platform includes reducing taxes and public spending, implementing tougher crime policies, and strengthening ties with Israel and the United States. Lula da Silva, representing the Workers Party, has proposed expanding welfare programs, increasing environmental protections, and increasing involvement with the global South.