Flávio Bolsonaro says that Lula steals money from the people with his “9 fingers” and apologizes after a complaint from the PT leader

Flávio Bolsonaro says Lula steals money from the people with his “9 fingers” and apologizes after complaint from PT leader “Lula, if I have offended you, I sincerely apologize,” responded the son of former president Jair Bolsonaro during the TV Globo presidential debate. The current president lost the pinky finger of his left hand in a workplace accident while working as a mechanical turner. In the first of four blocks of the presidential debate organized by the TV Globo network this Friday night, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) defended his government's social policies, while Flávio Bolsonaro (PL) accused the Brazilian leader of stealing money from the population and used the expression “9 fingers” to attack him. “You give with one hand and take away with nine fingers,” Flávio stated when responding to the president's proposal to implement zero fares on public transportation on weekends. Lula demanded an apology from the PL candidate. “You are going to have to apologize. The working people are watching. Thousands of workers suffer accidents due to employer irresponsibility, which forces us to work at hours we do not want to work. I was a minor and I worked at night, because I either worked or I didn't eat,” he said. “He called me ‘nine fingers.’ I want him to know one thing: if there is anyone here, in this audience, who knows what the world of work is, it is me. If there is someone who lost a finger at 17, it was me. Working at night, when I shouldn't have been working. I will not allow a militia member to call me ‘nine fingers.’ I will not allow it,” the PT member lashed out. Immediately following, Flávio apologized to the leader. “Lula, if I have offended you, I sincerely apologize. I did not want to offend you. I sincerely apologize,” replied the son of former president Jair Bolsonaro. The current president lost the pinky finger of his left hand in a workplace accident while working as a mechanical turner. He was employed at the Independência metallurgical plant in the Vila Carioca neighborhood of Sao Paulo in 1964. João Paulo Charleaux, a columnist for UOL, noted that Lula outperformed Flávio in the first block of the TV Globo debate. “He managed to address programmatic issues, was able to show his own experience, highlighted his achievements, and avoided the exchange of accusations,” he commented. “For his part, Flávio brought up the ‘nine fingers’ issue and gave the impression of referring to Lula's diction and age; those somewhat excessive provocations continue. Now, if he is not careful, Lula could end up turning the televised debate into a campaign rally. He must set the pace and maintain it throughout the conversation,” he added. “Sucking up” to Trump In another segment of the debate, after the PL senator questioned the government's relationship with the agribusiness sector, Lula accused his opponent of having “sucked up” to the President of the United States, Donald Trump, so that the latter would impose tariffs on Brazil. “That is why, when my opponent dedicated himself to flattering Trump so that he would impose tariffs on Brazil, I wasn't worried. Because I wasn't born afraid of ugly faces. If Trump doesn't want to buy from Brazil, I will sell elsewhere,” Lula stated. The president said he sought to expand the destinations of Brazilian exports in the face of tariffs imposed by the United States. According to him, the government opened 700 new markets for national products. The exchange of statements began when Flávio asked why Lula treated agribusiness “so poorly.” The PT member refuted the claim and pointed out that investments in the sector during his government exceeded those made during the administration of former president Jair Bolsonaro. COMMENTS To comment on this article, you must be a subscriber. The Latest Most Read 1. 2. 3. 5. Some read, others stay informed. Take advantage of this unique offer. Digital Plan+ $4,120 per month from now until the end of the year SUBSCRIBE