Lula Campaign Files TSE Lawsuits Against Flávio Bolsonaro and Other Opponents

The campaign of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has filed a series of legal actions with the Superior Electoral Court (TSE) against presidential candidates Flávio Bolsonaro, Ronaldo Caiado, and Romeu Zema. A primary focus of the offensive is an event at the Festa do Peão de Barretos, where the Lula coalition alleges that Flávio Bolsonaro used the festival's professional infrastructure to hold a disguised campaign rally. The coalition claims the event, which drew approximately 60,000 people, constituted an illegal corporate donation and an abuse of economic power. Consequently, they are seeking the annulment of Flávio Bolsonaro's candidacy and a declaration of ineligibility.

During the Barretos event, Flávio Bolsonaro declared himself the future president of Brazil and spoke about the importance of agribusiness. He was accompanied by São Paulo Governor Tarcísio de Freitas, who presented him as the heir to a specific project. The Lula campaign argues the act was previously organized and not a spontaneous manifestation. In response, Flávio Bolsonaro's legal team stated that no irregularities occurred, noting that he was a guest who spoke for 70 seconds and that other candidates were given equal opportunities. They added that President Lula had also received a personal invitation to the event but did not attend.

Beyond the Barretos incident, the Lula campaign is challenging the use of deepfake videos that associate the president with the word bandit. These videos were allegedly shared by Lucas Pavanato and Flávio Bolsonaro, and later reproduced by Romeu Zema. The coalition is requesting the removal of the content and fines for offenses against the president's honor. Additionally, the federation claims that Flávio Bolsonaro associated the current government with organized crime groups such as the PCC and Comando Vermelho during a campaign launch in Copacabana. Both sources report that Flávio Bolsonaro's team has denied wrongdoing regarding the Barretos event.