Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has formally launched his campaign for a fourth term, saying victory in the presidential election in October would make it his last. His campaign is emphasizing national sovereignty, protection of natural resources and opposition to foreign interference more than economic or social programs.
Lula, 80, announced his candidacy Sunday at a Workers’ Party rally in Sao Paulo. He served two consecutive terms from 2003 to 2010 and returned to office in 2023. This will be his seventh presidential campaign.
Addressing supporters, Lula said Brazil needed stronger defense capabilities and pledged to prevent foreign control over rare minerals and other important natural resources.
He said he wanted Brazil prepared so that no one would dare interfere in the country. China, the United States, France or any other nation would not gain access to Brazil’s minerals without respecting its sovereignty, he said.
Lula targets the Trump issue
Lula’s position comes as relations between Brasilia and Washington are again strained. The United States imposed two rounds of tariffs on Brazilian goods last July, accusing Brazil of unfair trade policies. The Brazilian government rejected the allegation.
U.S. President Donald Trump has maintained close ties with the family of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro. Bolsonaro’s eldest son, Sen. Flavio Bolsonaro, is now the principal right-wing presidential candidate. Jair Bolsonaro cannot run after being convicted of conspiring to overturn the result of the 2022 election.
Lula told the rally that Brazil did not allow anyone to interfere in its internal affairs. He also called Flavio Bolsonaro someone who had betrayed the nation, an allegation Flavio denied.
Leonardo Paz, a political science professor at the Getulio Vargas Foundation, said sovereignty had emerged at a politically important time for Lula. The message allowed Lula to identify an external party as responsible for some of the country’s problems, which was politically advantageous, Paz said.
A recent Datafolha poll showed Lula with 48 percent support and Flavio Bolsonaro with 43 percent in a possible runoff. The gap remains relatively narrow, and Brazil is still sharply divided between the left and Bolsonaro’s supporters.
Lula is presenting his government’s economic growth, increased employment and social programs as major achievements. Supporters say the programs have improved conditions for poorer Brazilians.
Social worker Cristiane Rosa Julio told the rally that Lula’s policies had allowed her family to own a home for the first time.
The government also faces major challenges. Voters are concerned about rising living costs, the budget deficit and law and order. Security could become a major campaign issue, particularly in areas where organized criminal groups are influential.
Both sides also face corruption allegations. Authorities are investigating claims that Flavio Bolsonaro tried to raise money from a banker accused of financial fraud. One of Lula’s sons is separately under investigation over allegations of corruption and influence-peddling.
Lula also responded to criticism of his age, saying regular walking and exercise had left him in excellent shape. He said he was healthier than when first elected president in 2002.
Analysts said Lula would present experience as a major strength, while his opponents would seek to focus the campaign on living costs, public safety and controversies surrounding the government.
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