Lula says men who beat women need not vote for him at PT convention

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva used the PT national convention in São Paulo to denounce gender‑based violence, stating that "who beats a woman doesn't need to vote for me" and urging voters to choose candidates who respect women. He interrupted the program to criticize the lack of female speakers, then invited first lady Janja (Rosângela da Silva) to the stage, where she highlighted the role of working women.

The remarks were framed as a call for a society of respect and were aimed at the decisive female electorate ahead of the 2026 presidential race. Fellow PT candidate Fernando Haddad echoed Lula’s message, praising his leadership and asserting that Brazil will move forward with its sovereignty intact, without bowing to foreign presidents. The convention also formalised the Lula‑Alckmin ticket for re‑election.