Flávio Bolsonaro's departure to the US leaves the Brazilian right without a clear project, says sociologist

Sociologist Débora Messenberg argues that the Brazilian right is weakened and must distance itself from bolsonarism after Flávio Bolsonaro's departure to the U.S. She notes that the right struggles to reorganize leadership following Flávio's electoral defeat to Lula. Messenberg interprets Flávio's letter from the U.S. as a strategy to keep the far-right base mobilized, reflecting a narrative of conspiracy and denial of defeat. She questions the effectiveness of Flávio's leadership claims from abroad and suggests that the Brazilian liberal right lacks a clear political project. Messenberg highlights Tarcísio de Freitas as a potential unifying leader but notes his alignment with bolsonarism for re-election. The internal dynamics within the PL party further complicate Flávio's position, as key figures have recognized the election results, undermining his authority.