Flávio Bolsonaro calls himself the ‘leader of Brazil’ after fleeing to Miami

Far-right senator and family land in US after crossing from Brazil into Argentina and then flying via Ecuador

Flávio Bolsonaro declared himself the “true president” of Brazil after losing last Sunday’s presidential election and fleeing to the United States.

After landing on a private jet with his family in Miami, Florida, on Wednesday morning, the far-right senator published the claim in a letter – even though his own party has recognised the legitimate victory of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, as have all of Brazil’s institutions, and international observers who monitored and endorsed the vote.

Brazil’s three main newspapers – Folha de S.Paulo, O Globo and O Estado de S.Paulo – all described Bolsonaro’s declaration as “coup-mongering”.