Brazil's Lula, 80, says he is 'in great shape' as he launches fourth term bid

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, 80, has formally launched his bid for re-election. His Workers' Party endorsed him on Sunday for what is expected to be his final re-election bid. According to Associated Press, this will be Lula's seventh presidential race.

Lula's campaign is shaped by concerns over foreign influence. His rival, Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, has received open support from US President Donald Trump's administration, Argentina's President Javier Milei, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Lula has vowed to protect Brazil's rare minerals and boost its defense industry, stating that no foreign country will access these resources without respecting Brazil's sovereignty.

Lula's administration has achieved solid growth and record employment. However, families have complained about the cost of living and a worsening fiscal deficit. Free Malaysia Today reported that Lula, a leftist leader, is loved and despised in near-equal measure in Brazil. He previously served two terms from 2003-2010 and made a comeback three years ago after a stint in jail on corruption charges that were later dismissed.

Brief written by urgent.news from France 24, Associated Press, Le Monde English, Free Malaysia Today — 4 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.