According to the Workers’ Party (PT), approximately 40,000 people attended the event. There, Lula advocated for expanding access to higher education, strengthening vocational training, and increasing the number of full-time schools that offer cultural and sports activities alongside academic instruction.

  The president linked these policies to the goal of boosting Brazil’s technological and industrial capacity. Specifically, he proposed that the country stop exporting unprocessed critical minerals and rare earths, and instead produce goods with higher added value—such as chips, batteries, and technological equipment—domestically.

  Defending national sovereignty was another key theme of his speech; Lula asserted that Brazil must leverage its natural resources to generate jobs, technology, and wealth amidst a global landscape of intensifying competition for strategic minerals.

  The president also highlighted the creation of formal jobs and social programs, as well as infrastructure projects such as the Sao Francisco River diversion and the “Luz para Todos” (Light for All) initiative.

  Public security also figured among his priorities. Lula advocated for greater coordination between the federal government, states, and municipalities to combat organized crime, and reiterated his intention to establish a Ministry of Public Security should the proposed constitutional amendment on the matter be approved.

  Additionally, the president addressed women, advocating for efforts to combat femicide and various forms of gender-based violence, while maintaining that equality between men and women should be taught from childhood.

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