Key facts
- Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has formally launched his bid for a fourth term as Brazil's president.
- Lula da Silva is running against Flávio Bolsonaro, son of former president Jair Bolsonaro.
- Concerns over foreign interference, particularly from Donald Trump's administration and its past imposition of tariffs, have been raised.
- Lula da Silva emphasized defending Brazilian sovereignty during his campaign.
- Recent polls indicate a tight race, with Lula da Silva leading Flávio Bolsonaro by 5 percentage points.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has formally launched his campaign for a fourth term, positioning himself as a defender of national sovereignty amid concerns of foreign interference. The 80-year-old leftist veteran faces a polarized electorate, with his main opponent being Flávio Bolsonaro, the eldest son of former far-right President Jair Bolsonaro.
Lula da Silva's Workers' Party (PT) is running in coalition with six other political forces, repeating the 2022 ticket with Geraldo Alckmin as vice-president. Flávio Bolsonaro's Liberal Party, meanwhile, has secured external backing from Argentine President Javier Milei and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Former first lady Michelle Bolsonaro has also been nominated as a senate candidate.
The campaign is shadowed by concerns over foreign influence, particularly from US President Donald Trump, whose administration previously imposed tariffs on Brazilian products. Lula da Silva has criticized such external meddling, stating that Brazil does not accept unsolicited interference. The United States had imposed tariffs alleging unfair trading practices, which Brasília denied, and these were eventually revoked after diplomatic efforts.
Recent polling by the Datafolha institute indicates a tight race, with Lula da Silva at 48% of voting intentions and Flávio Bolsonaro at 43%. Both candidates face scrutiny, with Flávio Bolsonaro under investigation for alleged financial impropriety related to a film about his father, and an inquiry opened into one of Lula's sons for suspected corruption.
Lula da Silva, a prominent left-wing leader in Latin America, is seeking to retain power in a region where right-wing and far-right movements have seen recent electoral gains in countries like Colombia and Peru.