Flávio Bolsonaro declares opposition leadership from the US

Brazilian Senator Flávio Bolsonaro declared himself the country's opposition leader from the United States in an official letter on Wednesday, contesting President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's 2026 election victory and alleging political persecution by the Supreme Court. The senator claims electoral fraud occurred, citing a court decision extending voting hours and alleging government misuse of public resources, which he says warrants annulling Lula's mandate. He left Brazil after surrendering his passports, arguing he faces an exceptional regime and would otherwise risk arrest. Bolsonaro plans to lead opposition movements from the U.S., citing figures like Charles de Gaulle and Rui Barbosa as inspiration, and promises regular addresses to Brazilians outlining peaceful mobilization plans against what he calls a dictatorial regime.