Brazilian Senator Flavio Bolsonaro has formally launched his bid to challenge President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in October's election, showcasing support from Argentine President Javier Milei, an AI-generated message from his jailed father and a video address from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Bolsonaro pledged tax cuts and a tougher stance on crime, while stressing his commitment to carrying forward his father Jair Bolsonaro's political legacy.
"Here is Bolsonaro's blood," he told supporters, who waved green and yellow flags at a campaign launch event in Sao Paulo.
Former President Jair Bolsonaro is under house arrest over his role in an attempt to overturn the election that Lula won.
Alliance struggles
Former first lady Michelle Bolsonaro also appeared in a video message endorsing Flavio Bolsonaro's candidacy.
"Flavio, may God bless and protect your candidacy," she said.
The senator secured his father's endorsement in December, but his campaign lost momentum in May after leaked messages linked him to jailed banker Daniel Vorcaro, whom he later acknowledged had financed a film about Jair Bolsonaro's political career.
His popularity has also been affected by a public dispute with Michelle Bolsonaro and his close ties to US President Donald Trump, who has imposed tariffs on Brazilian goods.
A Datafolha poll released on Friday showed Lula leading Bolsonaro by 48 percent to 43 percent in a runoff, compared with 47 percent to 43 percent in June.
Bolsonaro has also struggled to secure political alliances, with centre-right parties so far choosing to remain neutral rather than endorse his candidacy.
