President Lula adopts smartphone to boost social media presence

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has acquired his first smartphone as he seeks an unprecedented fourth term in office. The move is seen as an effort to bridge a generational gap and compete with right-wing opponents who have successfully utilized digital platforms to mobilize voters.

Lula, who is approaching his 81st birthday, has begun using social media to engage with the electorate, jokingly referring to himself as the ‘king of selfies’. This shift follows a first-round presidential vote where Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, topped the polls by engaging voters directly through his YouTube channel.

The president’s technological adaptation highlights a broader trend in Brazilian politics, where younger, social media-savvy candidates are increasingly dominant. To navigate this landscape, Lula has reportedly received guidance from younger members of his inner circle to better utilize platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and WhatsApp.