At 80, Lula seeks final term in Brazil, citing strength and sovereignty

At 80 years old, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has officially declared his candidacy for a fourth and final presidential term, asserting he is "very whole" and ready to "fight against old age." The announcement came during a Workers' Party (PT) convention in São Paulo, where supporters rallied with banners and songs, echoing Lula's "warrior of the Brazilian people" persona. Lula, who returned to power in 2023 after previous terms from 2003 to 2010, aims to secure one last mandate.

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I want to fight against old age, (...) I don't want to walk dragging my feet.

His main challenger will be 45-year-old Flávio Bolsonaro, son of former far-right president Jair Bolsonaro, who is currently facing legal issues related to a 2022 coup attempt. The political landscape is further complicated by ongoing tensions with the United States. Lula, while not directly naming his U.S. counterpart, alluded to defending national sovereignty against "interventionism," particularly concerning Brazil's critical mineral reserves. This stance comes after the U.S. imposed tariffs on Brazilian products, a move Lula has linked to Flávio Bolsonaro's alleged "betrayal" of the nation.

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Lula's policies changed my life and my family's life, thanks to him today we have our own home after eight generations dispossessed.

The campaign's emphasis on sovereignty could resonate with a broader electorate, as noted by Maya Goulart, a political science professor at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. She suggests this issue holds different meanings for various voters, potentially influencing their choices beyond strict party lines. The campaign opens amidst a backdrop of U.S. support for right-wing candidates in Latin America, adding another layer of complexity to Lula's bid for re-election.

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I am here because Lula's policies changed my life and my family's life, thanks to him today we have our own home after eight generations dispossessed.