Lula Officially Launches Reelection Bid, Focusing on National Sovereignty

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has officially launched his campaign for a fourth term. At the Workers' Party (PT) national conference in Sao Paulo on Sunday (August 2), supporters filled the convention center with red flags and chanted his name as the 80-year-old leader declared his candidacy for the seventh time in his political career.

Lula, who returned to power in 2023 after two previous terms (2003-2010), affirmed that if he wins the October election, this will be his final term.

Rather than focusing on domestic achievements, Lula's speech emphasized Brazil's position in an increasingly unstable world. He called for increased defense spending and pledged to protect rare earth reserves and other critical minerals from foreign control.

"I want to be prepared so that no one invades this country," Lula said. He also warned that China, the U.S., and France would not gain access to Brazil's mineral resources without respecting national sovereignty.

Trump's Shadow Looms Over Election

Lula's message reflects growing tensions between Brasilia and Washington. The U.S. imposed two rounds of tariffs on Brazilian goods in July, accusing Brazil of unfair trade practices—a charge the Brazilian government rejects.

U.S. President Donald Trump also maintains close ties with the family of Lula's main rival—Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, the eldest son of former President Jair Bolsonaro. "In Brazil, we do not accept anyone sticking their nose into matters that are not their business," Lula stated at the conference.

Flavio Bolsonaro, 45, has emerged as the leading candidate of the right wing after his father was convicted of conspiring to overturn the 2022 election results to prevent Lula from taking office.

Lula has leveraged the relationship between the Bolsonaro family and Trump to frame the election as a choice between national independence and submission to foreign interests. He called Flavio Bolsonaro a "traitor to the country"—a charge the senator denies.

Leonardo Paz, a political science professor at the Getulio Vargas Foundation, told AFP that the sovereignty argument comes at an opportune time for the president. "The sovereignty message comes at the right moment for Lula," Paz said, adding that it helps him identify an external enemy and blame them for some of Brazil's problems.

The latest Datafolha poll shows Lula leading Flavio Bolsonaro in a second-round runoff scenario, with 48% versus 43%. The gap remains fragile in a country deeply divided between supporters of the leftist president and the Bolsonaro movement.

Domestic Pressures Remain

Lula can boast of economic growth, high employment rates, and social programs that supporters say have improved the lives of Brazil's poor. At the conference, social worker Cristiane Rosa Julho told AFP that Lula's policies helped her family own a home for the first time in generations.

However, rising living costs and concerns about budget deficits remain major weaknesses for the government. Public security is also expected to be a prominent issue in the election, especially in communities where criminal organizations hold significant influence.

Corruption investigations are also targeting both sides: Flavio Bolsonaro is suspected of seeking funding from a banker accused of financial fraud, while one of Lula's sons is under investigation for alleged corruption and influence peddling.

Lula also sought to reassure concerns that his age might limit his ability to serve another term. He told supporters that regular walking and physical training have left him in "excellent shape" and healthier than when he first won in 2002.

For Lula, experience may be one of the central arguments of his campaign. Meanwhile, his opponents will seek to turn the election into a referendum on the cost of living, public security, and the political controversies surrounding the current government.