Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has officially announced that he will seek reelection in 2026, aiming for a fourth nonconsecutive term in office.
“I may be turning 80, but I have the same energy I did at 30. I’m running for a fourth term,” Lula told reporters Thursday during his official visit to Indonesia.
Currently on an Asian tour, the Brazilian leader met with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and is set to travel to Malaysia for the ASEAN summit. According to Brazilian media, Lula is expected to meet U.S. President Donald Trump in Malaysia on Sunday for their first in-person discussion, following a cordial phone call earlier this month. The two are expected to address Trump’s recent 50% tariff on Brazilian exports.
Under Brazil’s constitution, presidents can serve only two consecutive terms, but Lula—who returned to power in 2023 after a 13-year hiatus—remains eligible to run again.
Lula defeated right-wing former president Jair Bolsonaro in the 2022 election, marking his third term. At that time, he had indicated that it would be his final campaign, citing age and a desire for generational change. However, in early 2023, he hinted at the possibility of another run, saying his decision would depend on his health and the political climate.
A dominant figure on Brazil’s political left, Lula is the country’s longest-serving president since the return of democracy four decades ago.
Health concerns have followed him since undergoing emergency surgery last year to treat a brain bleed caused by a fall. Nevertheless, Lula insists he remains fit, often sharing videos of his exercise routines online.
Recent polls show Lula leading the early race for the 2026 election, though nearly half of voters disapprove of his performance. Analysts suggest his popularity has rebounded somewhat following Trump’s tariff move, which strengthened his nationalist appeal.
His main rival, Bolsonaro, is currently barred from running and serving a 27-year sentence for attempting a coup. Political analysts say any credible challenger to Lula will likely need Bolsonaro’s backing as he serves his sentence under house arrest.
-20251022062240.jpg)
