Lula says Haddad has 'growth potential' but needs 'a bit more to be a leader'

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva sees potential in Fernando Haddad, his former Finance Minister, to succeed him as a leader of the left. However, Lula indicated that Haddad requires further development of his leadership qualities. "Haddad is a comrade with extraordinary growth potential. But he needs a little more to be a leader," Lula stated in a podcast interview, referring to Haddad's candidacy for governor of São Paulo.

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Haddad is a comrade with extraordinary growth potential. But he needs a little more to be a leader.

Beyond Haddad, Lula mentioned several other figures he believes could lead the left in the future. These include former ministers Camilo Santana and Rui Costa, current Minister Guilherme Boulos, former Recife Mayor João Campos, and Piauí Governor Rafael Fonteles. Lula lamented the scarcity of national leaders in Brazil, suggesting that he and former President Jair Bolsonaro are the only recent figures who truly fit that description, albeit for different political movements.

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We have many good people emerging. We have Camilo's success in Ceará, we have Rui Costa who was a great governor of Bahia, we have Rafael (Fonteles) from Piauí, who is an extraordinary young political figure. We have figures like João Campos and (Guilherme) Boulos.

Lula also criticized the lack of national political parties in Brazil, noting that leadership tends to be regional rather than national. He pointed to parties like the MDB having strong local leaders but lacking a unified national presence. This perceived vacuum highlights a challenge for the future of Brazilian politics beyond the current generation of prominent figures.

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The most recent national leadership was me and Bolsonaro. Bolsonaro has votes in all Brazilian states. It's not his figure, it's Bolsonarism, the far-right, many fascists who joined them.

In terms of campaign strategy, Lula's team plans to focus on digital platforms. This approach aims to create a more informal environment and potentially avoid uncomfortable questions often posed by traditional media outlets. The president's campaign will prioritize interactions with digital influencers and online channels, reflecting a modern approach to political communication.

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Brazil does not have a national party. It does not have the habit of national leadership. The leaders are local.