Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, aged 80, officially launched his candidacy for a fourth and likely final term in the upcoming October elections, declaring himself "in great shape" and fitter than when he first assumed office in 2002. During the Workers' Party convention on Sunday, Lula emphasized his commitment to boosting Brazil's defense industry and protecting the nation's rare minerals, asserting that “no Chinese, no American, no French will touch” these resources without respecting Brazil's sovereignty.

Edinho Silva, chairman of the Workers' Party, highlighted the election's significance, stating, “This election in Brazil determines the future of Latin America.” Lula also expressed a desire to avoid enmity with US President Donald Trump, despite the internationalized nature of the campaign.

Brazilian Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, running again alongside Lula, defended Brazil's electronic voting system, saying it “is so good that it doesn’t take votes from Argentines and Americans,” referencing Argentina's President Javier Milei and Trump. Milei's visit to Sao Paulo on July 25 to speak at Bolsonaro’s Liberal Party convention sparked a diplomatic crisis after he insulted Lula and a Supreme Court justice involved in the trial and conviction of former President Jair Bolsonaro over an attempted coup.

The election is increasingly shaped by concerns over foreign influence, with figures like Flávio Bolsonaro receiving support from members of Trump's administration, Milei, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

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