Lula launches campaign for historic fourth term, faces Flavio Bolsonaro in October election

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, 80, launched his bid for an unprecedented fourth term on a stage in São Bernardo do Campo, the industrial city where his political career began nearly five decades ago. Speaking to a large crowd, Lula pledged that, for as long as he lives, he will prevent the “shameless” right from returning to power, invoking the period of social unrest and violence that marked the 2018‑2022 administration of his far‑right predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro.

Lula’s campaign will face a direct challenge from Flávio Bolsonaro, son of the former president, who has told his supporters he will “fight this system” as the October presidential election approaches. The contest pits the veteran left‑wing leader against the younger Bolsonaro figure, setting the stage for a decisive showdown between Brazil’s established left and the emerging far‑right faction.