Lula Slams Bolsonaro's Son for Fleeing Brazil, Calls Family 'Bootlicking the US'

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva criticized defeated rival Flávio Bolsonaro after reports emerged that the senator fled Brazil following his election loss, accusing the Bolsonaro family of prioritizing "bootlicking the United States" over their homeland. Brazil's Supreme Court had ordered Flávio to surrender his passport. Lula contrasted his own conduct, noting he stayed in Brazil after losing elections in 1994 and 1998 and surrendered his passport when ordered in 2018, arguing Flávio should have done the same to prove his innocence. He also claimed digital platforms, U.S. interests, and parts of the financial system worked against his government. Reports indicate Flávio may have flown to the U.S., possibly via Argentina, with his wife and daughters, though details remain unconfirmed. The U.S. is reportedly granting visas to him and relatives, and the passport order stems from an ongoing money laundering investigation.