Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has officially kicked off his campaign for the upcoming October presidential election. The 80-year-old leader formally announced his candidacy during a Workers' Party (PT) convention held in Sao Paulo, positioning himself as a seasoned statesman capable of navigating the country through a period of significant global uncertainty.
Addressing attendees, the former union leader emphasized the importance of bolstering Brazil's defense and safeguarding national sovereignty. Amidst ongoing trade and diplomatic friction with the United States—including recent tariffs imposed on Brazilian goods over alleged unfair trade practices—Lula expressed a firm stance on national security. "I want to be prepared so that no one invades this country," he stated. He further asserted that Brazil’s critical mineral reserves, specifically rare earths, would remain under domestic control, declaring that neither American, Chinese, nor French interests would gain access to them.
This campaign marks a bid for a fourth and final term for the president, who returned to power three years ago. Lula confirmed that he does not intend to seek another term should he win this election. Former finance minister Fernando Haddad, currently running for governor of Sao Paulo, endorsed Lula’s experience, noting that in an era of global turmoil, war, and the rise of the far right, the nation requires a "reliable, experienced sailor" at the helm.
During the event, Vice President Geraldo Alckmin also spoke, using the platform to defend the integrity of Brazil's electronic voting system. As the race intensifies, current polling from Datafolha indicates that Lula holds a lead over his primary rival, Flavio Bolsonaro—the eldest son of former president Jair Bolsonaro—with 48 percent to 43 percent in a potential second-round scenario.
