During a radio interview on Tuesday, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva expressed his intention to seek re-election if it means preventing Brazil from being governed by fascist leaders again. This remark was seen as a direct reference to the government of Jair Bolsonaro (2019-2022), with Lula indicating that he would not allow the country to be led by a “denier” once again.
While discussing the possibility of running again, Lula acknowledged that a new candidacy is not a top priority due to his age. Running for office at the age of 80 would raise concerns about his health at that time. However, he emphasized that he would not permit Brazil to be ruled by authoritarians once more, alluding to his strong opposition to the Bolsonaro administration’s policies.
Lula, a progressive leader who previously served as president from 2003 to 2010, assumed his third term in January 2023 after defeating Bolsonaro in the elections. He has been a vocal critic of Bolsonaro’s stance on various issues, including his support for the exploitation of the Amazon and his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in a significant number of deaths in Brazil.
Although Lula’s re-election is not certain, his willingness to consider it under certain circumstances reflects his commitment to preventing what he views as regressive leaders from taking control of the country. His stance aligns with his long-standing opposition to fascist ideologies and his desire to safeguard Brazil’s democratic values.
