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2026 electoral debate features criticism of Lula and Flávio Bolsonaro

In the first presidential debate, Renan Santos criticizes the absences of Lula and Flávio, who did not attend the event.

24 August 2026Tagblick Newsdesk

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Archive photo: 2026 electoral debate features criticism of Lula and Flávio Bolsonaro — Archive photoPhoto: msilvaonline · Flickr · BY

The first electoral debate for the 2026 presidential elections took place on Sunday (23) and was marked by criticism directed at candidates Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) and Flávio Bolsonaro (PL), both of whom were absent from the event. Renan Santos, a presidential candidate from the Missão party, was one of the most vocal in his criticisms.

According to Folha de S.Paulo, Renan did not hold back and wore diapers with the names of Lula and Flávio as a form of protest, highlighting the absence of the leaders in the polls. With this gesture, he sought to draw attention to the need for them to be present to discuss relevant issues facing the country.

In addition to visual criticisms, Renan Santos also expressed in his statements that Lula and Flávio should justify themselves for "the crimes they committed," according to reports from UOL. This approach was met with attention during the debate, where other candidates also addressed the question of the absence.

The two leaders in the polls, Lula and Flávio, did not attend the debate organized by Band, which generated varied reactions among those present. The event served as an important platform for candidates to present their proposals and opinions regarding the absences of their competitors.

In this context, the absence of Lula and Flávio was one of the central points of the debate, which promised to be a space for the confrontation of ideas among candidates.

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