Brazil’s far-right candidate has secured a narrow first-round victory in the presidential race, forcing a runoff against the incumbent leftwing president on October 25th. Polling suggests the son of the former president is the favorite to win, potentially benefiting from consolidation of rightwing support after other candidates failed to surpass single-digit vote shares. Meanwhile, Bolsonarista politicians have expanded their influence in Brazil’s political landscape, with multiple family members winning key legislative and gubernatorial races. Separately, Cornell University has announced a review of fraternities and sororities, acknowledging their role in fostering community while emphasizing individual accountability.
Flávio Bolsonaro is favorite to win 25 October runoff against 80-year-old incumbent leftwing president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Plus the ‘pawsome’ new recruit to Mexico’s national guardDon’t already get First Thing in your inbox? Sign up hereGood morning. Brazil’s presidential race will go to a second round after the far-right candidate, Flávio Bolsonaro, beat the incumbent leftwing president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, but failed to secure the outright majority he needed to avoid a runoff.The 45-year-old son of the disgraced former president Jair Bolsonaro will go into the second round as strong favourite, likely to pick up votes from the election’s other rightwing candidates, including Ronaldo Caiado, who secured 2.1%, and Renan Santos, who won 2.2%. The second round will take place on 25 October.How have Bolsonarista politicians taken a grip on Brazil? Brazil’s far right put in an even stronger than expected showing, with a succession of Bolsonarista politicians winning congressional or gubernatorial races. They included Jair Bolsonaro’s second son, Carlos Bolsonaro, and his wife, Michelle Bolsonaro, who both won seats in the senate. Bolsonaro’s youngest son, Jair Renan Bolsonaro, was elected to the lower house of congress.What has been the latest response from Cornell University? In a video message, the Cornell University president, Michael Kotlikoff, said the school would take “a serious look at the role of fraternities and sororities in campus life”, adding: “At their best, these organisations can provide students with friendship, belonging, mentorship and a powerful sense of community. But being part of a group can never diminish individual responsibility.” Continue reading...
