Lula launches his candidacy for the Presidency and claims to “rebuild” Brazil

First modification: 05/07/2022 – 18:30

“We are willing to work not only for victory on October 2, but for the reconstruction and transformation of Brazil, which will be much more difficult than winning the election,” Lula said during an act in Sao Paulo before some 4,000 members and supporters. of his Workers’ Party (PT) and other leftist parties that support his candidacy.

“We want to return so that no one ever dares to challenge our democracy again and so that fascism returns to the pipes of history from which it should never have come out,” said Lula, 76, wearing a white shirt and blue suit, on a stage decorated with a giant Brazilian flag, a symbol frequently associated with Bolsonarism and right-wing militants.

“We need to change Brazil again (…) Instead of promises, I present the immense legacy of our previous governments. We did a lot, but I am aware that it is still necessary and possible to do much more,” added the icon of the Brazilian left. , who ruled the country between 2003 and 2010.

His former political opponent and current running mate for the vice presidency, the former governor of Sao Paulo Geraldo Alckmin (69), participated by videoconference after testing positive for Covid-19.

“Brazil today survives the most disastrous and cruel government in its history (…) Lula is the hope that remains,” said Alckmin, a moderate and uncharismatic figure, but well regarded by the business class.

The campaign officially starts in August. With five months to go before the elections, polls suggest that Lula would beat Bolsonaro in a second round.

Lula regained his political rights in 2021, after the Federal Supreme Court (STF) annulled his convictions for corruption in the Lava Jato mega-cause, considering that he was not judged impartially by former judge Sergio Moro.

For one of those convictions, Lula spent a year and a half in prison.