Brazil's leftwing president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, 80, has launched his campaign for a historic fourth term, pledging to keep the far-right from power as he prepares to face Flavio Bolsonaro, son of jailed former president Jair Bolsonaro, in October's election.
Key facts
- Lula, 80, has launched his campaign for a historic fourth presidential term.
- He launched the campaign in Sao Bernardo do Campo, where his political career began nearly half a century ago.
- Lula will face Flavio Bolsonaro, son of former president Jair Bolsonaro, in October's election.
- Flavio Bolsonaro told supporters he would 'fight this system.'
- Jair Bolsonaro served as Brazil's far-right president from 2018 to 2022.
Brazil’s leftwing president, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, has launched his campaign for a historic fourth term, vowing that as long as he lived he would not allow the “shameless” right to return to power, according to the Guardian.
The 80-year-old politician addressed a large crowd of supporters in Sao Bernardo do Campo, the industrial city where his political career began nearly half a century ago. The location carries symbolic weight for Lula, marking the roots of a career that has now spanned decades.
In his address, Lula reminded voters of what he characterised as the chaos and violence that unfolded during the 2018-2022 presidency of his far-right predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro. The message positioned his campaign as a defence against a return of the right to power.
In October’s presidential election, Lula will face Flavio Bolsonaro, the son of Jair Bolsonaro. The Guardian reports that Jair Bolsonaro is jailed, setting the stage for a contest defined in part by the legacy of the former president.
Flavio Bolsonaro, addressing his own supporters, said he would “fight this system,” framing his candidacy in opposition to the political establishment.
The election in October will pit Lula’s bid for a fourth term against the younger Bolsonaro, continuing the sharp divide between Brazil’s left and far-right that has shaped the country’s recent politics.
Why it matters
Brazil is Latin America's largest economy and democracy, and the October election renews a bitter contest between the country's left and far-right. Lula's bid for a historic fourth term against the son of a jailed former president underscores the enduring polarisation shaping Brazilian politics.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Lula running against in the October election?
According to the Guardian, Lula will face Flavio Bolsonaro, the son of former far-right president Jair Bolsonaro, in October's presidential election.
How old is Lula and what term is he seeking?
Lula is 80 years old and is seeking a historic fourth presidential term.
Where did Lula launch his campaign?
He launched his campaign in Sao Bernardo do Campo, the industrial city where his political career began nearly half a century ago.