Polls show dead heat as Brazilian rivals clash in final debate

50 percent. That is the exact number that now separates Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva from his right-wing challenger, Flavio Bolsonaro. A survey by the Datafolha institute published on Thursday shows the two men tied for the lead. This erases the four-point advantage Bolsonaro held in polls released just two weeks earlier.

The two candidates met for the final debate of the campaign on Friday in Rio de Janeiro. The event was broadcast on TV Globo and took place two days before Sunday's runoff. The exchange focused on policy, with both men questioning each other on the economy, infrastructure, and regional development. It was noticeably more diplomatic than their first meeting on Sunday, though personal attacks still punctuated the discussion.

Lula attacked his opponent's proposal to cut public spending, comparing the approach to the policies of Argentina's libertarian president, Javier Milei. Bolsonaro countered that he would have the same job as Milei because Lula is leaving the country bankrupt. The senator accused the incumbent of letting organized crime expand and failing to tackle the high cost of living. Lula hit back on a personal level, stating that his rival does not know what hunger is.

Tensions rose when Bolsonaro used the nickname Nine Fingers for Lula. The term is pejorative and refers to an accident Lula suffered while working as a metalworker. The 80-year-old president demanded an apology, which Bolsonaro offered. Lula then called his rival a vigilante, citing allegations of ties to paramilitary groups in Rio. Bolsonaro responded by saying he would classify such groups as narcoterrorists.

A third heated moment involved the mother of a five-year-old killed in a shootout. A police officer involved in the incident had Bolsonaro as his lawyer. The candidate said he does not believe his client was guilty. Both candidates are expected to join supporters in the streets of Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo for their final campaign push before the vote on Sunday.