On the eve of Brazil’s presidential election on October 4, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is preparing for what he has called his “last dance” in politics as he seeks a historic fourth term. The vote marks Lula’s seventh appearance on the national ballot, nearly four decades after his initial campaign in 1989, even though he previously pledged that his third tenure would be his final one.
Lula, who will turn 81 on October 27, has repeatedly promised that a victory this Sunday would conclude his political career. However, he now appears to be the only viable opponent for Flavio Bolsonaro, the eldest son of former president Jair Bolsonaro, who is currently serving a 27-year sentence for his role in a failed coup attempt.
Recent polling indicates a deadlock between the two front-runners, with other candidates having fallen behind. A Datafolha survey released on September 24 showed Lula with 34% approval of his management compared to 40% who rated it poorly, highlighting the challenges the left-wing leader faces heading into the weekend vote.
Campaigning has centered on Lula’s working-class origins in northeastern Brazil and his history as a union leader. He has also addressed health concerns, noting his recovery from early-stage skin cancer treatment and emphasizing his physical fitness. Analysts suggest his ability to connect with ordinary Brazilians remains a key asset, despite a record marred by corruption scandals that previously led to his imprisonment before convictions were overturned.
Economically, Lula’s third term has yielded low unemployment and reduced poverty, but growth has stagnated and household debt remains high. Additionally, the campaign has been dominated by security concerns and cultural controversies, including recent rhetoric regarding Brazil’s patron saint, Our Lady of Aparecida.
Internationally, Lula must navigate tensions with U.S. President Donald Trump, whose administration has imposed tariffs that Brazil deems illegal. Despite these headwinds and a lower popularity rating than in previous terms, the Workers’ Party maintains that Lula is the only figure capable of countering the far-right Bolsonaro movement.
Unemployment is low, but is stagnant growth really what Brazil needs right now? Seems like a fragile victory if he wins.
Thirty-four percent approval is rough. How does he expect to win with numbers like that against Bolsonaro?
Did you catch the tariff tensions with Trump? That could sway voters who care about the economy more than ideology.
I hope he truly keeps his word this time. A fourth term is hard to swallow after promising retirement.