Senator Flávio Bolsonaro (PL-RJ) publicly repudiated comments made by journalist and influencer Paulo Figueiredo regarding the voting habits of women.
The incident occurred during a political event for women organized by the Liberal Party (PL) in Brasília. The move comes as the party seeks to maintain and grow its support among female voters amid internal tensions.
On July 1, 2026 [1], Figueiredo said that "women vote very badly" [2]. The remark was widely viewed as sexist and created an immediate friction point for the party's outreach efforts. Bolsonaro responded by distancing himself from the commentator to protect his standing with the female electorate.
Bolsonaro said that Paulo Figueiredo does not belong to his pre-campaign team [1]. By explicitly denying any formal tie between his political operation and the influencer, the senator aimed to neutralize the fallout from the statement.
Figueiredo did not apologize for the remark. He said that what he says is his own problem [2].
The timing of the dispute is notable as it follows mentions of Michelle Bolsonaro, the president of PL Mulher, and the party's broader strategy to engage women. The repudiation serves as a public signal that the senator will not tolerate rhetoric that alienates a key demographic—especially during the sensitive pre-campaign phase.
The senator's team said that the businessman does not participate in the strategic planning of his candidacy [1]. This clarification was intended to ensure that the views expressed by Figueiredo are not attributed to the official platform of the PL candidate.
“"Mulher vota muito mal"”
This public rift highlights the tension between the 'bolsonarista' movement's hardline commentators and the institutional needs of the PL party. As the party attempts to broaden its appeal to women, it must balance the influence of provocative media figures with the necessity of maintaining a professional, inclusive image to remain competitive in general elections.
