Brazil President Lula launches projects amid election push as Daciolo questions his identity

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva inaugurated a series of infrastructure and public‑service projects across Brazil in a bid to showcase achievements before the election deadline. Among the unveiled works were the construction site for the Itaparica bridge linking Salvador to the island, an irrigation tunnel in Rio Grande do Norte that was opened without water, and multiple health, education and housing initiatives in twelve cities across seven states. The announcements were accompanied by pledges of R$140 billion for the New Brazilian Industry program, R$97.3 billion for the agrarian plan and R$600 million for the Transnordestina railway.

In a separate political controversy, former deputy Cabo Daciolo sparked a viral reaction after stating on a podcast that he does not believe the man currently serving as president is the "real Lula." He cited the president’s age, recent surgeries and a heightened public fitness routine as reasons for his doubt, offering no evidence. Daciolo’s remarks added to his history of provocative statements and drew widespread commentary on social media.