Brazil’s Lula launches historic fourth term bid – but son of jailed Bolsonaro stands in his way
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has officially launched his campaign for a fourth term, focusing on education, healthcare, and security. He faces a significant challenge from Flávio Bolsonaro, the son of the former president, in an election that highlights the country's deep political polarization.
Why it matters
The election represents a critical juncture for Brazil's political stability and its future policy direction regarding environmental and social issues.
Lula said he would dedicate a fourth term to improving education and healthcare, and go after organised crime bosses./Getty Images Lula said he would dedicate a fourth term to improving education and healthcare, and go after organised crime bosses./Getty Images Brazil Brazil’s Lula launches historic fourth term bid – but son of jailed Bolsonaro stands in his way President, 80, vows to keep far-right from power as Flávio Bolsonaro tells supporters he will ‘fight this system’
Tom Phillips in São Bernardo do Campo Sun 16 Aug 2026 14.44 EDT Last modified on Sun 16 Aug 2026 14.46 EDT Share Prefer the Guardian on Google B razil’s leftwing president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva , has launched his campaign for a historic fourth term and vowed that as long as he lived he would not allow the “shameless” right to return to power.
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