Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva confronted presidential challenger Flávio Bolsonaro during an October 23 debate in Rio de Janeiro over the “nine fingers” insult. Lula said he lost a finger while working and demanded an apology, which Bolsonaro offered before attacking the government’s record on poverty, homelessness and public safety. The candidates also clashed over Bolsa Família and maternity leave. Bolsonaro acknowledged that his past vote against extending maternity leave was wrong, saying he would vote differently today. Lula defended his social inclusion record, while Bolsonaro argued that the president’s policies no longer addressed Brazil’s challenges, sharpening tensions.
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