President Lula ramps up campaign travel and alliances ahead of October election
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has accelerated his itinerary across Brazil, visiting Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Mato Grosso do Sul, Santa Catarina and other states where his 2022 vote share was low. The trips, timed before the electoral “defeso” period begins on 4 July, aim to strengthen local palanques and support allied candidates such as Eduardo Paes in Rio and Fábio Trad in Mato Grosso do Sul.
The Workers’ Party (PT) is also intensifying negotiations for state‑level alliances. In Minas Gerais, PT leader Marília Campos has ruled out running for governor, urging a broad front with the MDB, PSB and PDT, while the party finalised its São Paulo ticket with former minister Fernando Haddad and PSB’s Márcio França as vice. Similar alliance talks are under way in other key states.
Several pre‑candidates are touring their regions to build support. Andréa Medeiros (PSD) expanded her base in Recife with local councillor backing; Luanna Rezende (PT/MA) visited eight municipalities in Maranhão, stressing tourism and infrastructure projects; João Azevêdo (PSB) mentored PSB‑PB women candidates; and Julinho Fuzari (Republicanos) secured endorsements from veteran politicians in the Greater ABC area.
Meanwhile, former president Lula announced a new defence‑policy focus, pledging a modernised navy and a nuclear‑submarine programme as part of his re‑election platform. Flávio Bolsonaro, a senatorial pre‑candidate, travelled to Buenos Aires to meet President Javier Milei, seeking to reposition his campaign after a recent family controversy.
These coordinated movements illustrate the rapid buildup of campaign activity as Brazil’s parties vie for influence ahead of the October elections.