In his speech at the Workers’ Party (PT) national convention—which made his presidential candidacy for the upcoming October elections official—Lula outlined the main priorities of a potential new government and set the tone he intends to bring to the electoral campaign.

“I don’t want ‘Peace and Love Lulinha’; I want a combative Lulinha,” he declared during his address, advocating for a firmer stance against the far right and in dealings with the National Congress.

The president maintained that, having restored social programs, employment, and economic growth, the country is ready to move into a new phase. “Now that the basics are guaranteed, it is time to take a leap forward,” he stated.

He cited education, a national program for the elderly, the strengthening of the defense industry, the protection of rare earths and critical minerals as strategic national assets, and the acceleration of the energy transition as priorities for a potential fourth term.

Regarding national defense, he called on progressive sectors to set aside their prejudices on the subject and advocated for increased investment to ensure national sovereignty and the development of the military industry.

He also announced the creation of specific policies for the growing elderly population and reiterated that investing in education is more effective—and less costly—than dealing with the consequences of violence and social exclusion.

Lula asserted that his campaign would be grounded in the results achieved by the current government. “Those who have delivered results can promise more; those who haven’t, have nothing to promise,” he stated, defending his administration’s legacy.

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