Overview
- The PT formally proclaimed President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva as its presidential candidate on Sunday, August 2, confirming Geraldo Alckmin as his running mate and assembling a seven‑party progressive coalition with party registration due to the electoral court by August 15 and campaign advertising starting August 16.
- Lula opened the campaign by making national sovereignty and higher defense spending central themes, saying he will build military‑industrial capacity and protect Brazil’s strategic resources to deter external pressure.
- Recent Datafolha polling shows Lula holding a narrow advantage in a possible runoff against Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, about 48% to 43%, though both leaders carry high rejection rates that leave the race volatile.
- The campaign faces tangible vulnerabilities: the Supreme Federal Court authorized probes into Lula’s eldest son, Fábio 'Lulinha' Lula da Silva, and the economy shows slower growth with high interest rates near 14.25%, a fiscal deficit close to 10% of GDP and public debt around 82% of GDP.
- The contest is a polarized rematch with Flávio Bolsonaro leading the right after Jair Bolsonaro’s ineligibility, and recent U.S. tariffs plus public endorsements from foreign figures have intensified worries about trade pressure and outside influence on Brazil’s election dynamics.