During a coordination meeting with allies, Lula upheld that he sees no economic, social, or political reasons preventing his re-election and called on his supporters to fight for the decisive votes over the next 20 days, the president stated, according to the UOL news portal. Lula also questioned the portrayal of former President Jair Bolsonaro’s eldest son as an anti-establishment candidate.

“This country had a candidate who won the election as an anti-establishment figure, yet he is the face of the establishment,” said the president, keeping that his own candidacy is the only one that can truly be considered anti-establishment.

According to Lula, the policies implemented so far have failed to contain organized crime, and he called for the approval of a proposed constitutional amendment regarding public security.

In his remarks, the president also criticized the Supreme Federal Court (STF), stating that his administration is “bearing the burden” of what he described as the “promiscuity” entrenched within Brazil’s highest court.

The statement came amidst questions regarding the relationship between STF members and businessman Daniel Vorcaro—former owner of Banco Master—who has been in preventive detention since March amid an investigation into financial fraud and criminal conspiracy.

The president adnitted his frustration at not securing victory in the first round and criticized Flaáñvio Bolsonaro, whom he labeled an “heir to fascism.”

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