Bolsonaro Ally Promises Revival of Relaxed Gun Policies if Flávio Wins Brazil's 2026 Presidency

As Brazil heads into the October 25 presidential runoff, gun policy stands out as a significant point of divergence between the two candidates, Flávio Bolsonaro and Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Flávio Bolsonaro's camp, represented by Federal Deputy Paulo Bilynskyj, has pledged to reinstate the more liberal gun regulations characteristic of Jair Bolsonaro's previous administration, reversing recent restrictions enacted under Lula.

Bilynskyj, close to Flávio Bolsonaro, announced plans to revoke Lula's decrees aimed at restricting firearm access. He specifically mentioned reintroducing weapons like 9mm pistols and easing burdensome requirements such as proving a genuine need to obtain a gun permit. These changes, he said, would be pushed through Congress to revive the gun culture that flourished during Jair Bolsonaro's government.

In contrast, Lula's current administration has tightened gun access through stricter rules and shifted regulatory oversight of hunters, shooters, and collectors from the Army to the Federal Police. Presently, Brazil has about 1.6 million registered guns, including many pistols and rifles.

Experts express concern over Bolsonaro's proposed reversal of gun laws. Bruno Langeani of Instituto Sou da Paz warned that the prior administration’s eased regulations contributed to greater criminal access to firearms and increased violence. He noted that frequent legal changes could create uncertainty and impede criminal investigations. Similarly, Renato Sérgio de Lima from the Fórum Brasileiro de Segurança Pública described Bolsonaro's gun policies as signaling to citizens that personal safety responsibility is paramount due to perceived state shortcomings.

The runoff election features a narrow gap in voter support—Flávio Bolsonaro garnered 47.03% of valid votes in the first round, compared to Lula's 45.16%. Their platforms contrast sharply not only on gun policy but also on economic and social fronts. Flávio promotes a liberal economic agenda and leniency for January 8 coup participants, whereas Lula prioritizes stronger social investment and public accountability.

With gun control at the forefront, the outcome of Brazil’s presidential runoff on October 25 will significantly influence the country's security policies and approach to firearm regulation for years to come.