At 80, Lula Launches Fourth-Term Bid, Casting Campaign As Defense Of Brazil's Sovereignty Amid U.S. Pressure

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, 80, formally opened his campaign for a fourth presidential term at a Workers' Party (PT) convention in São Paulo, positioning himself as a defender of Brazilian sovereignty as tensions with the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump shape the contest.

A dominant figure in Latin American politics, Lula — the former metalworker and union leader who returned to power three years ago after convictions tied to corruption charges were annulled — is making his seventh bid for the presidency. He previously served two consecutive terms from 2003 to 2010.

In a deeply polarized political environment, Lula once again faces a Bolsonaro-led challenge. This election cycle, his principal rival is Flavio Bolsonaro, the 45-year-old senator and eldest son of former president Jair Bolsonaro. Flavio became the focal point for Bolsonaro’s camp after his father faced legal action related to allegations of trying to block Lula’s return to office in 2023.

Trade tensions with Washington have become a central campaign theme. In July, the United States imposed rounds of tariffs on certain Brazilian goods, citing unfair trade practices — a charge Brasilia denies. Last year Washington raised tariffs amid diplomatic friction, measures that were later eased after talks. Lula has seized on such disputes to frame his message around national sovereignty and resistance to outside interference.

"In Brazil, we do not accept anyone sticking their nose where it does not belong," Lula said, underscoring his sovereignty theme.

Polling, Economy And Voter Concerns

A recent Datafolha poll showed Lula leading in a hypothetical second-round matchup with 48 percent to Flavio Bolsonaro's 43 percent — a tight margin reflecting the country's political polarization. Lula's administration points to solid economic growth and record employment levels since his return. Still, many families cite the rising cost of living and a worsening fiscal deficit as major concerns.

Security is another top voter priority. Tens of millions of Brazilians live in neighborhoods where organized crime exerts significant control, and public safety remains a persistent challenge for the government.

Crime And Corruption

Allegations of corruption have touched figures across the political spectrum. Flavio Bolsonaro has been scrutinized over claims he sought money from a banker accused of large-scale financial fraud to fund a film about his father. This week, prosecutors opened a probe into one of Lula's sons, nicknamed "Lulinha," on suspicions of corruption and influence peddling.

Political analysts say Lula's sovereignty message helps him reframe the conversation amid dips in domestic popularity by pointing to external pressures as partly responsible for domestic woes. "The sovereignty message comes at the perfect time for Lula. At a moment when he was experiencing a drop in popularity it allows him to identify an external enemy to blame for some of the problems we are facing," said Leonardo Paz, a political science professor at the Getulio Vargas Foundation.

The campaign is set to intensify as both sides jockey for position in a nation still recovering from the sharp divisions of past elections and watching closely how international relationships, trade disputes and corruption probes will influence voter sentiment.