The move comes as former President Jair Bolsonaro remains under house arrest over allegations of plotting a coup following the end of his 2019–2022 presidency, leaving Michelle and Flávio competing for influence within Brazil's conservative movement.
Their feud became public in late June after Michelle accused Flávio of disrespecting her, claiming he told her she "didn't understand anything about politics." The dispute was seen as a potential setback for Flávio's presidential ambitions, especially given Michelle's popularity among female and evangelical voters.
In an effort to mend relations, Flávio publicly apologised before officially securing the Liberal Party's presidential nomination last weekend, and Michelle accepted the apology.
Flávio is set to face incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in October's presidential election, with Lula seeking a fourth non-consecutive term after gaining momentum in recent weeks.
Although both were expected to appear together at the Liberal Party's event in Brasília on Sunday as a show of unity, Michelle was absent after being hospitalised a day earlier with a severe headache. She was discharged as the event began, according to the medical facility where she received treatment.
Her brother, Diego Torres, represented her at the gathering and delivered her prepared speech, saying on her behalf, "I accept this challenge."
During his address, Flávio also sought to project unity within the party, declaring, "We are going to rescue democracy, together with Michelle Bolsonaro."
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