Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva confirmed on Thursday that he will run for a fourth nonconsecutive term in the 2026 presidential election, brushing aside concerns about his age and recent health issues.
Speaking during a state visit to Indonesia, Lula, 80, emphasized his vitality and readiness for another campaign.
“I’m turning 80, but you can be sure I have the same energy I had when I was 30. And I’m going to run for a fourth term in Brazil,” he told reporters during a joint press conference with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.
Constitutional Eligibility
Brazil’s constitution allows presidents to serve only two consecutive terms. Lula previously served two consecutive terms from 2003 to 2010, returned to office in 2023 after 13 years out of power, and is thus eligible for re-election in 2026.
Diplomatic Trip Across Asia
Lula made the announcement while on a diplomatic tour of Asia. After visiting Indonesia, he is scheduled to travel to Malaysia to attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit.
During his visit to Malaysia, Lula is expected to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump, marking their first in-person encounter following a conciliatory phone call earlier this month. Their discussions are likely to cover trade disputes, including the 50-percent tariff Trump imposed on Brazilian goods in August, in protest of the prosecution of former far-right President Jair Bolsonaro, a Trump ally.
Political Context and Rivals
Lula previously indicated that his 2022 election campaign would be his last, citing his age and a desire for political renewal. However, early in his current term, he hinted at a possible run in 2026, noting that the decision would depend on Brazil’s political climate and his health.
Lula has survived recent health scares, including emergency brain surgery following a fall last year. Nevertheless, he continues to emphasize his fitness, often sharing workout videos on social media.
Currently, Lula leads most polls for 2026, though roughly half of Brazilian voters disapprove of him. His main political rival, Jair Bolsonaro, has been barred from running and sentenced to 27 years in prison for attempting a coup. Analysts suggest that any viable opposition candidate will likely depend on Bolsonaro’s influence while serving his sentence under house arrest.
Lula’s Legacy
As a dominant figure on Brazil’s left, Lula is the longest-serving president since Brazil’s return to democracy 40 years ago. His leadership has shaped the country’s political landscape for over two decades, making his fourth-term bid a focal point of national and international attention.
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