Lula and Bolsonaro camp launch Brazil presidential race with rallies in Sao Paulo and Rio
Brazil's two main presidential camps have opened their campaigns with large rallies in their political strongholds, setting up what is expected to be a closely fought October election. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva addressed more than 10,000 supporters at Vila Euclides Stadium outside Sao Paulo, while Senator Flavio Bolsonaro gathered thousands on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro. The launches underline how the contest is already being framed around foreign interference, trade pressure and control over Brazil's natural resources.
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Lula, who is seeking a fourth nonconsecutive term, spoke in a city where he first rose to prominence 47 years ago as a metalworkers' union leader during Brazil's 1964-1985 military dictatorship. The 80-year-old appeared wearing a hat after a skin cancer diagnosis and argued that Brazil needs more of his policies. He also repeated earlier criticism of foreign interference in Brazilian politics, saying outside actors should not control the country's rare minerals.
His allies have accused the United States government of trying to help Flavio Bolsonaro's bid through measures including higher tariffs on Brazilian exports and the revocation of the visa of Brazil's ambassador to Washington. Lula said Brazil's mineral wealth should be used for the benefit of Brazilians, not tapped by outsiders. The remarks show how the campaign is already linking domestic politics with wider tensions over trade, diplomacy and strategic resources.
Flavio Bolsonaro, 45, is one of the sons of former President Jair Bolsonaro, who did not attend the Rio rally because he is under house arrest after his conviction for an attempted coup. At the Copacabana event, Flavio Bolsonaro said he was the only candidate able to negotiate with the United States, China, Israel, the Middle East, India and Argentina to secure the best trade deals for Brazil. His party's convention was attended by Argentina's President Javier Milei, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and several members of the Trump administration have also expressed support for him.
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The campaign opening also highlights the importance of women voters, who make up nearly 53 percent of Brazil's 158 million eligible voters, according to the country's electoral court. Both Lula and the Bolsonaro camp have been trying to appeal to women by promising action on gender violence. That issue has gained urgency after Brazil recorded nearly 400 femicides in the first quarter of 2026, the highest number for that period since the country began tracking the crime 11 years ago.
What remains unclear is how much the foreign policy disputes and trade tensions will shape voter behaviour over the coming months. The rallies suggest both sides are preparing for a highly polarised race, with economic policy, international alignment and public security likely to remain central themes. The next major test will be whether either camp can broaden support beyond its core base as the October vote approaches.
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