October 1, 2026
A report in "Stern" states that the presence of Jair's clan in Brazilian politics is something unprecedented in the world. The publication points to corruption suspicions and possible ties between Flávio and criminal organizations.
The Bolsonaro family's relationship with Brazilian politics is the focus of a report in the German magazine Der Stern, published this week, ahead of the first round of presidential elections featuring Flávio (PL), Jair's son, and current president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) as the main contenders.
"The Trumps look like a nice suburban family next to the Bolsonaro clan", is the title of the piece, which addresses the large number of family members of the former president who have chosen to build careers in politics.
"On this October 4th, a total of 18 Bolsonaros will run in the Brazilian elections, including eight people from the family's core," the text states, pointing to the candidacies of Michelle Bolsonaro for the Senate; Jair's brother, Renato, for federal deputy; cousins, and of course, the sons: Flávio (for president), Carlos (Senate), and Jair Renan (federal deputy). Eduardo, a federal deputy who had his mandate revoked, was sentenced to prison for attempting to coerce the Justice system and lives as a fugitive in the United States, maintaining contact with allies of President Trump.
"There is no Bolsonaro who isn't in politics. Except for the daughter, Laura, 15 years old. Regarding the birth of a girl after four sons, Jair Bolsonaro, known for his sexist attitude, once said: 'On the fifth try, I weakened, and a girl was born,'" Stern adds.
The German magazine also notes that ten other candidates in this year's elections carry the Bolsonaro name, even without family ties, to try to gain more visibility. "Entering Brazilian politics is highly lucrative. This is partly because of high salaries, but even more so because of the money politicians can pocket during their terms. It is not uncommon for them to become millionaires while in office," the magazine states.
"In Brazilian politics there's a saying: 'all politicians are thieves.' It sounds like pure cynicism against politics. However, it's quite close to the truth," the article says.
A dynasty the size of the Bolsonaro clan has no precedent in world politics, Stern further adds. The publication compares the former president's family presence to other lineages, such as the ultra-right-wing Le Pens in France and the Republican Bushes in the United States.
However, says sociologist Débora Messenberg Guimarães, from the University of Brasília, interviewed for the piece, these dynasties exist only on a "regional scale and in smaller numbers." "Eight members of a family running for election all at once is possibly a world record," notes Messenberg, quoted in the text.
The German magazine also highlights Jair Bolsonaro's conviction for attempting a coup d'état and the former president's house arrest, as well as the corruption investigations surrounding Flávio Bolsonaro and suspicions of ties to organized crime involving the PL candidate and other clan members, which earned the Bolsonaros the nickname "Familícia" (a play on "família" [family] and "milícia" [militia]).
Another aspect covered is Flávio's role as an outsider and anti-establishment figure, which Stern compares to other far-right politicians like Donald Trump in the US and Javier Milei in Argentina. "But in Flávio Bolsonaro's case, this is especially grotesque. The 45-year-old senator is the embodiment of the establishment. He has never shown anything politically besides his surname. He is Jair's son, and that's why he became a senator. He has never done anything on his own," the magazine emphasizes.
"Lula managed to go from factory worker to president. Flávio, from president's son to presidential hopeful," Stern adds.
Finally, the piece also analyzes the Bolsonaro family's preference for Flávio over Michelle, who, according to the text, would have had better chances in the electoral race, but was sidelined — due to the family's sexist attitude, the text concludes.
fcl/cn (ots)
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