Brazilians awoke Thursday to a political landscape suddenly transformed, as President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, the country’s most emblematic political figure, confirmed he will seek reelection in 2026. Speaking in Jakarta, Indonesia, Lula put an end to months of speculation and declared himself “ready” to pursue a fourth nonconsecutive term, a move that could reshape the coming presidential race and the future of the Workers’ Party (PT).
The announcement, delivered on October 23, 2025, came during an official visit to Indonesia, where Lula stood alongside Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. “I have the same energy as when I was 30,” Lula asserted, despite having turned 80 this year. According to Folha de S.Paulo, his words were both defiant and upbeat, signaling that age and recent health concerns would not deter him from another campaign. “I am ready,” he proclaimed, ending a long period of uncertainty that had kept both allies and opponents guessing.
This decision marks a sharp departure from Lula’s position just three years ago. In 2022, ahead of his third term, Lula had publicly denied any intention to run again, expressing a desire to “leave the country shining” for a successor. That statement, widely reported by O Globo and others, was interpreted as a signal that Lula would groom new leadership within the PT. But the political winds have shifted. As Estadão notes, Lula’s approval ratings have been on the rise, and the party faces a notable absence of strong alternative presidential contenders. In this context, Lula’s return to the electoral arena appears both pragmatic and strategic.
The timing of the announcement is no accident. Lula is currently on an Asian tour, which includes stops in Malaysia for the ASEAN summit. The international stage, with its diplomatic gravitas, provided an ideal backdrop for a message aimed at both domestic and global audiences. According to BBC Brasil, Lula’s remarks in Jakarta were closely watched by political observers, who noted that the president seemed energized by his recent diplomatic engagements and buoyed by positive feedback from his base.
For months, Lula’s political future had been the subject of intense speculation. His health—always a point of concern given his age—was frequently cited by analysts as a potential obstacle. Yet, by insisting he has the vigor of his younger self, Lula sought to dispel doubts and project confidence. “I have the same energy as when I was 30,” he repeated, a phrase that quickly made headlines across Brazilian media.
The Workers’ Party, meanwhile, has struggled to put forward a charismatic successor with nationwide appeal. As Folha de S.Paulo observed, the lack of a clear frontrunner within the PT has left many party members quietly encouraging Lula to reconsider his earlier stance. With his approval ratings ticking upward and his political brand as strong as ever, Lula’s decision to run again may have been inevitable.
Yet the path ahead is not without challenges. Lula’s leadership style—marked by personal charisma and a knack for retail politics—remains polarizing. His previous terms were defined by both significant social advances and periods of economic turbulence. Supporters credit him with reducing poverty and expanding Brazil’s international profile, while critics point to corruption scandals and fiscal mismanagement that marred his legacy. The upcoming campaign is likely to revive these debates, with Lula’s opponents already sharpening their attacks.
Internationally, Lula’s announcement may also reverberate. The president’s Asian tour is more than mere symbolism; it reflects Brazil’s ongoing efforts to strengthen ties with key partners in the region. In Malaysia, Lula is slated to attend the ASEAN summit, where trade, climate, and security issues will be front and center. And in a move sure to attract global attention, Lula is scheduled to meet with former U.S. President Donald Trump on October 26, 2025. According to Estadão, the two leaders plan to discuss tariffs on Brazilian products and sanctions on Brazilian officials, topics with significant implications for Brazil’s economy and foreign relations.
Observers note that the meeting with Trump could serve multiple purposes. On one hand, it positions Lula as a statesman willing to engage with leaders across the political spectrum. On the other, it highlights the economic headwinds facing Brazil, particularly as global trade tensions simmer. Whether the meeting will yield concrete results remains to be seen, but it underscores Lula’s intent to remain at the center of both national and international affairs.
For Lula himself, the decision to run again is as much about legacy as it is about power. Having already served two consecutive terms from 2003 to 2010, and now in his third, Lula’s bid for a fourth term would be unprecedented in Brazil’s modern history. His supporters see it as an opportunity to consolidate gains made in social policy and international diplomacy, while detractors warn of the risks of prolonged incumbency and political fatigue.
Still, the president’s confidence appears undiminished. “I am ready,” he told reporters, a simple but pointed declaration that signals his willingness to face whatever comes next. For many Brazilians, Lula remains a symbol of hope and resilience—a figure who, despite personal and political setbacks, continues to shape the nation’s destiny.
The coming months are likely to see a flurry of political activity as parties position themselves for the 2026 race. With Lula now officially in the running, the PT will rally its base, while opposition parties scramble to field candidates capable of challenging his formidable electoral machine. The dynamics of the race could shift quickly, especially if new contenders emerge or if Lula’s health becomes a renewed source of concern.
For now, though, the message from Jakarta is clear: Lula is back in the game, energized and determined to seek another mandate from the Brazilian people. His candidacy promises to make the 2026 election one of the most closely watched—and hotly contested—in recent memory.
As Brazil looks ahead to another pivotal election season, all eyes will be on Lula, the veteran politician who, at 80, insists he’s just getting started.
