Brazil’s Lula announces fourth-term campaign, vows to defend country’s sovereignty

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has officially launched his campaign for a fourth term, telling supporters he wants to protect the country's sovereignty ahead of October's presidential election.

Speaking at a Workers' Party convention in Sao Paulo on Sunday, the 80-year-old confirmed he would seek the presidency for a seventh time.

If elected, Lula said it would be his final term.

Rather than focusing on domestic achievements, Lula centred his campaign on Brazil's role in global affairs, pledging to increase defence spending and protect the country's reserves of rare earth minerals.

“I want to be prepared, so that no one invades this country,” Lula said.

He also said China, the United States and France would not gain access to Brazil's critical minerals without respecting the country's sovereignty.

According to AFP, Lula also criticised foreign interference, saying: “In Brazil, we do not accept anyone sticking their nose where it does not belong.”

Lula's main challenger is expected to be Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, son of former president Jair Bolsonaro, who is barred from returning to office after his conviction over a plot to overturn the 2022 election.

A recent Datafolha poll showed Lula leading a potential second-round contest against Flavio Bolsonaro by 48 percent to 43 percent.

However, analysts say rising living costs, public security and corruption allegations are likely to remain key issues throughout the campaign.