Brazil's Lula Launches 4th-Term Bid at 80, Vowing to Protect Rare Minerals
Updated
Updated · South China Morning Post · Aug 2
Brazil's Lula Launches 4th-Term Bid at 80, Vowing to Protect Rare Minerals
3 articles · Updated · South China Morning Post · Aug 2
Summary
Lula formally opened his campaign for Brazil’s October election, telling a Sao Paulo party convention he is “in great shape” and fit to seek a fourth term at age 80.
Around 3,000 Workers’ Party supporters heard Lula stress stamina and health, saying regular exercise leaves him fitter than when he first won the presidency in 2002.
Lula tied the bid to policy goals, pledging to expand Brazil’s defense industry and shield rare minerals from foreign control, saying no Chinese, American or French interests would access them without respecting sovereignty.
The campaign begins with pressure from Donald Trump’s administration hanging over the race, adding an external challenge to an already polarizing figure in Brazilian politics.
Lula returned to power three years ago after a comeback from corruption cases that were later annulled, setting up another high-stakes test of his durability and influence.