Brazilian Presidential Election: Lula Aims for Fourth Term – Duel with Bolsonaro's Son
The 80-year-old Lula wants to become president of Brazil for the fourth time. As four years ago, his most important opponent is Bolsonaro - this time it is the son of the imprisoned former head of state.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has been officially nominated by his left-wing Workers' Party (PT) as a candidate for a fourth term in office. "I am infinitely fitter than I was when I was 57 years old and took office for the first time. I am in top shape," the 80-year-old said at the party congress in front of supporters in São Paulo.
According to the Brazilian Constitution, a president can be re-elected once directly for a second consecutive term. Lula has been president again since 2023 and had already held the office from 2003 to 2010. If he wins the election, he would start his fourth term in office. Geraldo Alckmin is to become his vice president again.
Lula's most important challenger is right-wing Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, the eldest son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, who was sentenced to more than 27 years in prison for attempting a coup. Flávio was nominated as a candidate by his Liberal Party (PL) last week. The Bolsonaro family maintains close political relations with US President Donald Trump, but Flávio is considered less popular than his father and has not yet been able to count on the closed support of the conservative camp.
Argentine ultra-liberal President Javier Milei also appeared at the event hosted by Bolsonaro's party, sharply criticizing both Lula and the Brazilian judiciary. The appearance led to a diplomatic scandal, which is considered one of the most serious disputes between the two South American neighboring countries in decades. There was also controversy over a video with Jair Bolsonaro created using artificial intelligence, whose use the former president under house arrest had not approved, according to his defense.
The electoral authorities are examining possible violations - but it is unlikely that his son's candidacy will be revoked.
Presidential election in October
According to the latest poll by the research institute Datafolha, the left-wing head of state is currently ahead of his challenger in the voters' favor. Other candidates from smaller parties are significantly behind. The presidential election in Latin America's largest economy will take place on October 4. If no candidate achieves an absolute majority, there will be a runoff election on October 25.
Translated by urgent.news. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
