Latin America’s leftist star, L. I. Lula da Silva, who is viewed ambiguously in Brazil, is seeking a fourth and final term, presenting himself in his campaign as a reliable leader in turbulent times and a counterbalance to the global rise of far-right extremism.
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Although the name of U.S. President Donald Trump was not mentioned at the Workers’ Party (PT) congress in São Paulo, L. I. Lula da Silva and other leftist leaders emphasized protecting Brazil’s sovereignty from external threats amid trade and diplomatic disputes with Washington.
“I want to be prepared so that no one stages an invasion of this country,” said L. I. Lula da Silva, urging more investment in defense.
The former metalworker and union leader made an impressive return to power three years ago after serving a prison sentence for corruption charges that were later overturned. He previously led the country from 2003 to 2010.
Supporters highlight social programs that lifted millions out of poverty, while critics, noting that the PT has been in power for about 17 of the last 24 years, emphasize entrenched problems such as crime and corruption.
The final stage of L. I. Lula da Silva
In his speech, L. I. Lula da Silva said that endurance and exercise help him maintain “great shape.”
“I want to fight aging. I don’t want to lag behind,” he said.
The Brazilian constitution allows presidents to serve two consecutive terms. After a break, they can run again, and there is no lifetime limit on the number of terms.
L. I. Lula da Silva stated that he will not run again after the fourth term because he and his 59-year-old wife Rosangela “will go on vacation and spend another 20 years focusing on romance.”
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The main opponent of the octogenarian in the elections is Flavio Bolsonaro, the eldest son of far-right former president Jair Bolsonaro.
The 45-year-old senator took on this responsibility after his father was convicted of planning a coup to prevent L. I. Lula da Silva from taking power in 2023.
The Bolsonaro family are allies of D. Trump. The U.S. leader supported several victorious right-wing candidates in Latin America.
“In Brazil, we do not accept anything that sticks its nose where it does not belong,” L. I. Lula da Silva said last week.
At the congress, he commented on the global interest in Brazil’s vast reserves of key minerals, warning that “neither the Chinese, nor the Americans, nor the French will get our rare Earth elements.”
A recent poll by the Datafolha institute showed that in the second round, 48 percent of respondents would vote for L. I. Lula da Silva, while 43 percent would vote for F. Bolsonaro.
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