Flavio Bolsonaro Gains Momentum in Brazilian Presidential Race

Flavio Bolsonaro's growing public support in Brazil's presidential race has given him the leeway to delay appointing key economic advisers, according to his aides. This comes as the senator matches President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in opinion polls, amid an economic downturn and political turbulence in Brasilia.

Since declaring his candidacy last year, the senator has focused on international travels to consolidate conservative alliances, as well as visiting his father, Jair Bolsonaro, who currently serves a sentence for an attempted coup. His alignment with his father's platform has helped him maintain momentum, potentially allowing further delays in assembling his economic team.

This strategy starkly contrasts with Jair Bolsonaro's 2018 campaign, where he appointed Paulo Guedes as his economic advisor a year ahead of the elections to calm market fears. In a crowded field of right-wing contenders, Flavio Bolsonaro's strategy will be a trial against rivals like Ronaldo Caiado and Romeu Zema, each striving to capture conservative support.