Former Minas Gerais governor Romeu Zema condemned senator Flávio Bolsonaro's recorded requests for funds from banker Daniel Vorcaro, prompting sharp rebuttals from Bolsonaro allies.
1:43 PM
Former Minas Gerais governor and presidential candidate Romeu Zema (Novo) criticized rival Flávio Bolsonaro (PL) Wednesday after the Intercept website published audio recordings in which the senator requested money from Daniel Vorcaro, owner of Banco Master, to complete a film about his father, former president Jair Bolsonaro. The existence of the conversation between Flávio and Vorcaro was confirmed by O Globo.
In a video posted to social media, Zema described the contact as unacceptable. "Flávio Bolsonaro, hearing you charging money from Vorcaro is unforgivable. It is a slap in the face of decent Brazilians. It does no good to criticize the practices of Lula and the PT and do the same thing. You need credibility to change Brazil," Zema said.
The remarks triggered immediate responses from Bolsonaro family members. Eduardo Bolsonaro, the former deputy and son of the ex-president, posted on social media that Zema made "accusations without foundation" and mocked him as a "potential vice," referring to Zema's previous consideration as a running mate candidate for Flávio's ticket.
"He did not even hear the other side; it took just a couple of hours for the 'union of the right,' the 'potential vice' to take advantage and make this unfounded accusation. There was no diversion of money, Rouanet Law or public resources. Do not be so low, so vile, Romeu Zema," Eduardo Bolsonaro wrote on May 13.
Carlos Bolsonaro, Flávio's brother and Senate candidate for Santa Catarina, also attacked Zema, referring to him derisively as a "banana peel eater" and saying he was "crossing all limits." Senator Rogério Marinho (PL-RN), Flávio's campaign coordinator, labeled Zema an "opportunist."
Zema responded to the criticism in a post on X, though the full text of his reply was not detailed in available reports. The exchange marks an escalation in tensions within the presidential race as candidates position themselves ahead of the election cycle.
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