Flávio Bolsonaro has arrived in the United States and described himself as the "true president-elect," according to UOL Notícias. The Brazilian politician, who was defeated by Lula at the polls, made the declaration after leaving Brazil, the outlet reports.
In his remarks, Flávio thanked Argentine President Javier Milei and US President Donald Trump, UOL Notícias reports. He also said he did not flee, according to R7, which reported that he proclaimed himself president-elect despite his loss to Lula at the ballot box.
Coverage of the episode varied across Brazilian outlets. O GLOBO reported that Flávio abandoned a planned press conference and declared himself president following his departure. Estadão reported that he thanked Milei and Trump and styled himself the "true president-elect" after what it described as a flight. UOL Notícias published what it said was the full text of his statement.
The reports agree on the core sequence of events: a defeated candidate left Brazil, arrived in the US, thanked two foreign leaders and claimed a title the election did not give him. No outlet in the material provided indicated that any official body has recognized such a claim.
What to watch next: whether Brazilian authorities respond to Flávio's declaration, and how the US and Argentine governments address his public thanks.
