Brazil’s President, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, has formally declared his candidacy for re-election in the forthcoming presidential elections, setting the stage for a critical political contest in Latin America’s largest country.
Speaking during an official visit to Indonesia on Thursday, Lula addressed concerns regarding his age and physical endurance, affirming that he remains robust and fully prepared to face the demands of another term.
“Nearing 80 years old, I possess the same vitality I had in my 30s,” Lula confidently stated at a joint press conference with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. “I am resolved to pursue a fourth term in office.”
This announcement dispels months of speculation about whether the veteran leftist leader would seek another mandate. Although Brazil’s constitution limits presidents to two consecutive terms, Lula-who governed from 2003 to 2010 and returned to power in 2023-is eligible to run again.
As the longest-serving president since Brazil’s return to democracy over 40 years ago, Lula appears intent on solidifying his political legacy. His ongoing tour of Asia, which includes attending the ASEAN summit in Malaysia, is also scheduled to feature a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, marking their first encounter since Trump’s recent inauguration.
The upcoming discussion on Sunday is anticipated to focus on the 50% tariff the U.S. imposed on Brazilian exports in August-a policy that ignited nationalist sentiment in Brazil and, paradoxically, boosted Lula’s domestic approval ratings.
Initially, Lula had suggested that the 2022 election would be his final term, citing his age and the need for political renewal. However, by early 2023, he began signaling the possibility of extending his political career, indicating that his decision would depend on Brazil’s political climate and his personal health.
Currently, the political landscape seems advantageous for Lula. Polls consistently place him ahead of potential contenders, despite nearly half of voters expressing dissatisfaction with his government’s performance. His chief rival, former President Jair Bolsonaro, has been barred from running after being convicted for attempting to subvert the 2022 election results. Bolsonaro is now serving a 27-year sentence under house arrest, and analysts believe any serious challenger would likely need his backing to mount a credible campaign.