Brazil Election: Lula Leverages US Tariffs Against Bolsonaro Son

Incumbent left‑wing President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is campaigning for a fourth, non‑consecutive term in Brazil’s October presidential election. He has framed recent United States actions – a 25% tariff on several Brazilian imports and sanctions on local criminal groups – as an attack on Brazil’s sovereignty and is using them to bolster his appeal, directing criticism at U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Lula’s main opponent is Flávio Bolsonaro, the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is serving a 27‑year prison sentence. Flávio is barred from visiting Lula for 90 days and is positioned as the candidate supported by Washington. The first round of voting is scheduled for 4 October, with a potential runoff on 25 October.

Polls suggest Lula leads Flávio Bolsonaro, and the tariff dispute is influencing voter sentiment, with analysts noting that the U.S. measures may actually strengthen Lula’s support.