Bolsonarism seeks new leader outside Bolsonaro clan after Flávio's flight

The flight of Flávio Bolsonaro to the United States has triggered an internal crisis in Brazil's far-right, prompting a debate over new leadership outside the Bolsonaro clan. His departure has weakened the family's grip on the movement. Flávio, who loses parliamentary immunity in February, had been set to lead a movement backed by 59.8 million votes, surpassing his father's 2022 total, plus majorities in Congress and key regional governorships. However, his secretive, preventive escape, supported by the Trump administration and Argentina, has angered allies. He faces two Supreme Court investigations unrelated to politics, including suspected fund diversion and money laundering. As the family weakens, Tarcísio de Freitas, reelected governor of São Paulo, emerges as a potential consensus candidate, though he must decide whether to break from his mentor.