Speaking at the Renaissance Sao Paulo Hotel on Sunday, the Workers' Party candidate admitted he had expected to secure enough votes to win outright.

"I would have liked to win the election in the first round. But it is not the first time I have thought that...the people like me to contest the second round. And I am very good at the knockouts. I do not lose, I do not." he said.

With 99 per cent of ballot boxes counted, data from the Superior Electoral Tribunal (TSE) showed Bolsonaro with 47.03 per cent of valid votes and Lula with 45.16 per cent.

Both candidates advanced to the second round scheduled for October 25.

"The result is often unexpected. We never achieve everything we wanted. I confess before you that I was convinced I would win the election in the first round," said Lula, who is seeking a fourth term as Brazil's president.

Lula described the runoff as a new phase of the contest and called on his supporters to begin campaigning again.

"The match is going to start. We are in extra time," he said.

The president said the new campaign would focus on persuading voters, including those who did not take part in the first round.

"It is the hour of the trial by fire. It is time to show the true picture of Brazil today. It is the Brazil we want. So, from tomorrow we begin a new campaign," he said.

Lula also defended proposals focused on technological and scientific development, rare earths and critical minerals, and strengthening Brazilian industry.

He highlighted education , research and technology as key parts of his platform and pledged to continue supporting universities, federal institutes, and technical and higher education.

More than 158 million Brazilians were eligible to vote. Alongside the presidential contest, voters were choosing all 513 members of the Chamber of Deputies and 27 of the Senate's 81 members.

Lula, who is seeking re-election, reached the Zona da Mata Regional Airport in Goiana but could not continue by helicopter because of the bad weather . He later returned to Brasilia.

Hundreds of supporters had already started gathering near the Roza Cabinda viaduct in central Juiz de Fora ahead of his expected arrival.

Heavy rain and strong winds forced some of those waiting to seek shelter, while others remained at the venue.

After Lula's appearance was cancelled, some supporters left, although the campaign event continued with other coalition candidates.

Ana Lucia, who attended the mobilisation despite the weather, said her support for Lula was linked to changes she experienced during his previous governments.

"After the Lula government I managed to buy and pay off my own house; I raised my five children; today they all have their own houses; I studied; I qualified. So there is nothing more fitting than to be here today celebrating our democracy ," the supporter said.

Another supporter, Carlos Eduardo, praised Lula's social policies and said they had benefited people across different age groups.

"He always does things right; he always helps us; he encourages us; not only on the question of purity, but also on childhood, adolescence, adult life and old age; he always helps us with everything."

Minas Gerais is one of Brazil's most important electoral states and has featured prominently in the final stretch of the presidential campaign.

Lula was scheduled to return to the state this week for another campaign event in Belo Horizonte on Friday.

The 80-year-old is seeking a fourth presidential term after governing Brazil from 2003 to 2010 and returning to office in 2023.

His main rival in the October 4 election is Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, son of former president Jair Bolsonaro.

If no candidate receives more than 50 per cent of valid votes in the first round, a run-off will be held on October 25.

Lula made the remarks on Monday during a campaign rally at Republic Square in central Belem, where supporters of his Workers' Party (PT) gathered alongside allied political leaders.

"Please tell our opponent to withdraw his candidacy. And back us because they have no chance," the president said.

The rally came just days before Brazil's October 4 election, with Lula urging his supporters to remain mobilised ahead of the first round of voting.

Lula also used the event to address diplomatic tensions with the United States . He called for relations based on respect for Brazil's sovereignty and non-interference in its internal affairs amid differences over possible foreign intervention in the election and bilateral cooperation against organised crime.

"I do not want war with the US. I want respect. I want respect. So, comrades, be prepared and do not look beyond this," Lula added.

Supporters at the rally also explained their reasons for backing the president.

"I support President Lula for his record of commitment to education and his fight against fraud. In my humble opinion, President Lula is one of the most important people ever to have set foot in Brazil ," said Diego Aguiar, a systems analyst.

Aguiar also backed the continuation of Lula's political project, saying he believed its impact was being felt by the public.

"People trust that President Lula's project is improving their lives because they have faith; because they are living it," he added.

Before the rally, Lula visited the hospital complex of the Benemerita Sociedade Portuguesa Beneficente do Para alongside Health Minister Alexandre Padilha.

He toured the new facilities of Hospital Sao Joao de Deus, which is part of the complex and provides care to patients under Brazil's Unified Health System (SUS).

Bolsonaro also criticised President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva over the government’s move to restrict online betting, accusing him of acting for electoral reasons. Flávio said he supports banning online casinos while distinguishing them from regulated sports betting. The election is due to take place on 4 October, with recent polls showing a close race between Lula and Flávio, although results vary between surveys.

Lula made the remarks during the 'Culture with Lula' gathering at the Fundicao Progresso cultural centre, where he appeared alongside artists and other cultural figures.

"Bolsonaro destroyed not only the Ministry of Culture; he destroyed the Ministry of Labour. He destroyed the Ministry of Industry and Trade [...] the Ministry of Racial Equality, the Ministry of Women and the Ministry of Human Rights," Lula said.

Lula Pushes Constitutional Protection for Culture

During Bolsonaro's government, the Ministry of Culture was dismantled. Its responsibilities were initially transferred to the Ministry of Citizenship before being placed under a special secretariat within the Ministry of Tourism .

Lula said cultural policies should receive stronger protection to prevent them from being changed by future governments.

"It is necessary that we incorporate into the Constitution what we want for culture. It is the safest way to ensure there are no changes from one government to another," he said.

Singer Daniela Mercury, who attended the gathering, spoke about the role of different forms of cultural expression in shaping Brazilian identity.

"Culture touches all of us directly and profoundly; it is our bonds," she said.

Brazil Heads Towards October Election

The gathering formed part of Lula's campaign for a fourth presidential term, with Geraldo Alckmin again running as his vice-presidential candidate.

Brazil's presidential election is scheduled for October 4. Lula and Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, son of former president Jair Bolsonaro, are among the main contenders.

If no candidate receives more than half of the valid votes, a second round will be held on October 25.

Speaking on Tuesday, Lula warned against what he called renewed attempts by major powers to exert influence over countries in the region.

“In Latin America and the Caribbean, the geographical proximity to the world's largest military power is unavoidable, especially in the context of the resurgence of hegemonic temptations. Brazil is nobody's backyard,” he said

Lula rejects greater US Military role

Turning to organised crime, Lula argued that greater military involvement from the United States was not the answer to criminal networks operating across the region.

“We don't need aircraft carriers patrolling our waters. We need cooperation to stop the flow of weapons and money that fuels organised crime.”

His comments come as Brazil and the United States face disagreements over sovereignty, security and trade, while both countries deal with concerns over transnational criminal networks.

Lula also criticised what he called "protectionist environmental measures" and asserted Brazil’s control over its critical minerals and rare earth resources.

Lula criticises United Nations

The Brazilian president also questioned the effectiveness of the UN, pointing to divisions among major powers and the veto held by permanent members of the Security Council.

"The UN is failing in one of its highest missions, which is to free humanity from the scourge of war ,” he said.

Lula condemned the war in Gaza and accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government of committing 'genocide'.

“Generations of Palestinians will bear the pain and the trauma left by the genocide committed by Netanyahu's government against women and children.”

He also criticised Israeli settlements in the West Bank and backed the two-state solution as essential to resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Diplomacy over Ukraine War

On Ukraine, Lula called for diplomacy instead of seeking a solution through military force.

“We all know there will be no winners on the battlefield. Diplomacy is the only option.,” he said.

Lula ended his speech by turning to Brazil’s presidential election scheduled for Oct. 4.

He described the vote as a choice between "democracy and denialism" and warned about foreign influence and disinformation.

The 81st UN General Assembly opened on September 22, 2026, with Brazil traditionally delivering the first national address. The gathering runs through September 28, with global leaders addressing wars, climate change, security and the future of the international system.

Speaking during an internet podcast, Lula said he had instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to suspend meetings with ambassadors until after the election.

"I told Minister Mauro: 'From now until the election, I will not receive any other ambassadors. Only after the election will I receive an ambassador from any country in the world ,'" the president said.

Lula also pointed to the absence of a US ambassador in Brazil, noting that the position has remained vacant for about a year and a half. He said tensions grew after Brazil refused entry to US officials whom the government said wanted to question the country's electoral system.

"The United States have been in power for a year and a half and hasn't sent anyone here. Then they try to send someone and think we are obliged to set the date they want. That's not right. No one should think they can interfere from the outside to influence our elections," Lula emphasised.

During the interview, Lula also said his political career is driven by purpose rather than elections.

"I am not in politics to contest an election. The election is simply the result of a goal I set for my life. For me, politics is a cause," the president said.

Brazil will hold the first round of its presidential election on October 4, 2026. Lula is seeking re-election, with recent polls identifying Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, the son of former president Jair Bolsonaro, as his main challenger.

The move does not expel Viotti from the United States , but means she would need to apply for a new visa if she leaves the country. Washington described the measure as "reciprocal" and said the visa could be restored if Brazil approves ambassador-designate Daniel Perez.

Brasília condemned the decision, accusing Washington of escalating pressure for ideological reasons and attempting to influence the election. Brazilian officials also argued that the United States broke diplomatic protocol by publicly announcing Perez's nomination before receiving Brazil's formal approval, adding that no decision would be made before the first round of voting in October.

The dispute has widened beyond diplomatic appointments.

Last month Brazil refused entry to two senior US officials, saying their planned visit on election integrity and religious freedom amounted to interference in domestic politics . Washington rejected the accusation.

The latest confrontation adds to months of deteriorating relations between the region's two largest democracies, which have also clashed over trade tariffs, organised crime and broader regional policy.

Lula has accused the Trump administration of undermining Brazil's sovereignty, while Washington maintains it is responding to actions taken by Brasília and insists it remains committed to restoring normal diplomatic ties.

Speaking at an event in Sao Caetano do Sul in Sao Paulo state on Monday, Lula questioned Trump's plan to impose a fee equal to 20 per cent of a cargo's value on vessels receiving US military support while crossing the strategic waterway.

"He posted a tweet saying that <...> for every ship he unblocks, that he gets out of the strait, the owner of the oil will have to pay him 20 per cent. Before, that was called piracy. Isn't that right? <...> So, an important state like the United States , which for a long time I believe fought piracy, cannot now become a pirate. In other words, it has no reason to charge, because the Strait of Hormuz is not their responsibility," Lula said.

The Brazilian president argued that the Strait of Hormuz remained open before the latest conflict between the United States and Iran and challenged Washington's justification for military action.

" Brazil was not the one that invented this war. So, we cannot accept that a war provoked by the United States, saying that Iran wanted to build a nuclear weapon... I can say that this is a lie, because I was in Iran in 2010. I was there together with Ahmadineyad [former president of Iran] and with the president of Turkey, signing a document in which Iran committed not to produce nuclear weapons," he said.

Lula compared the current situation with the 2003 invasion of Iraq, arguing that the United States had used similar claims about weapons of mass destruction before launching military action.

He also warned that the conflict was affecting Brazil's economy, saying prices of products such as rice, tomatoes and onions had risen. Lula added that his government was working to limit fuel price increases during the crisis, including through a 12 per cent tax on oil exports.

The comments came after renewed fighting in the Middle East. Iran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz to all ships, while the United States responded by imposing a blockade on Iranian ports.

“For the first time, I am going to include the issue of national defence in a government programme so that we can make a public commitment,” he said.

Lula stressed that Brazil has no intention of threatening other countries but said it could not afford to be unprepared.

He questioned the commitment of major powers to nuclear disarmament and pointed to military expansion by countries including Pakistan, India, China and the United States .

“It is full of madmen in the world. Right now, the president of the United States wants to keep Greenland and says that Canada is going to become a state. He wants to take the Panama Canal,” Lula said.

The president added that Brazil should recognise its size and strategic importance within Latin America .

He said he did not want war but also did not want Brazil “to be caught by surprise.”

Lula is seeking re-election in October and is expected to face right-wing Senator Flávio Bolsonaro. National security has emerged as a key issue in the campaign, with Bolsonaro focusing his proposals on tougher measures against organised crime and drug trafficking.

“Who does Brazil have that is good at football now?” Lula asked the audience.

A young boy responded: “Neymar.”

“Neymar isn't even playing, my friend. I saw something yesterday saying that Neymar is the world's first home-office call-up. Any day now we're going to have to make a national team with artificial intelligence ,” Lula said, drawing laughter from those in attendance.

The president’s comments came as Neymar remains sidelined with an injury sustained while playing for Santos FC in the Brazilian Championship on May 17.

The injury occurred one day before Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti named the 34-year-old forward in the squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Lula has made several remarks about Brazil’s national team during the tournament. Earlier, he urged players to approach matches with more “soul” and “grit”. He also joked that Brazil should try to convince Argentina captain Lionel Messi to play for the Seleção.

Neymar, Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer, has struggled with injuries in recent years, limiting his appearances for both club and country. His absence has left Brazil without one of its most experienced players during the World Cup campaign. Brazil secured its first 3 points at the World Cup with a 3:0 win over Haiti after drawing its first game against Morocco.

Brazil ’s president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has vetoed a controversial bill that would have dramatically shortened the 27-year prison sentence of former president Jair Bolsonaro, who is serving time for his role in plotting a coup after losing the 2022 election. The bill, passed by Congress in December 2025, would have cut Bolsonaro’s sentence to just over two years and reduced penalties for others convicted over the January 8, 2023 attacks on government buildings in Brasília. Lula says the convictions were based on fair trials and substantial evidence. Congress could still override the veto. Bolsonaro began his sentence in November 2025 and remains barred from running for office until at least 2030.

Brazil pork exports hit a record and poised to overtake Canada

Brazil’s pork industry achieved a new milestone in 2025, exporting 1.51 million tonnes of pork, an 11.6% increase from the previous year, and is set to surpass Canada as one of the world’s top exporters. Export revenues climbed to US$3.62 billion, up nearly 20% year-on-year. The Philippines emerged as Brazil’s largest buyer, while China, Chile, Japan and Hong Kong also took significant volumes. The boom is credited to diversified international demand and strengthened market access.

Beekeepers warn lithium mining threatens bees in Brazil

Beekeepers in Brazil’s Jequitinhonha Valley are raising alarms that expanding lithium mining, driven by global demand for battery minerals, is disturbing traditional ecosystems where wild beehives once thrived. Local farmers and apiarists, including Aécio Luiz, report that bees are harder to find and honey production is declining as mining activities grow. This region hosts a large share of Brazil’s lithium deposits, which are critical for electric vehicle and renewable energy markets, but the environmental impacts are increasingly prompting community concern.

Neymar extends Santos deal to chase World Cup return

Brazil forward Neymar has extended his contract with Santos until the end of 2026 as he targets a return to the national team ahead of the World Cup. The 33-year-old, who rejoined Santos in January 2025, has not played for Brazil since 2023 due to injury setbacks. He helped the club avoid relegation last season, scoring five goals in their final five matches, before undergoing knee surgery to repair a damaged meniscus. Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals, Neymar, is working to regain full fitness to meet coach Carlo Ancelotti’s recall criteria. Brazil will face Scotland, Morocco and Haiti in Group C when the World Cup begins on 11 June in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Roberto Carlos hospitalised, recovering

Brazil and Real Madrid great Roberto Carlos says he is recovering well after undergoing a planned preventative medical procedure. The 52-year-old shared an update on Instagram, posting a photo from his hospital bed and dismissing reports that he had suffered a heart attack. He said the procedure was successful and carried out in advance with his medical team. Carlos thanked supporters for their messages and said he expects to return to full fitness soon.

Brazil’s Chamber of Deputies is currently debating a controversial anti-gang bill that has ignited sharp political tensions across the country. The proposed legislation, which aims to strengthen criminal penalties and enhance the government’s ability to dismantle organised crime networks, has drawn criticism from the Federal Police and several government officials. Detractors argue that the bill could open the door to misuse of authority and may undermine civil rights protections. At the same time, supporters claim it is essential to address the growing threat of gang-related violence in major cities. The debate reflects the delicate balance between bolstering public safety and safeguarding democratic freedoms.

Brazil’s new crime commission: A fight for control and credibility

Brazil’s Senate has launched a Parliamentary Inquiry Commission to investigate organised crime. However, this move has not come without controversy. Political analysts and opposition figures have raised concerns about the inquiry's independence, suggesting that political manoeuvring could compromise its integrity. The commission, intended to expose corruption and strengthen national security , risks becoming another political battleground where competing factions vie for influence. Questions about transparency and impartiality are now shaping public opinion, with critics urging reforms to ensure that accountability, not politics, remains at the heart of the investigation.

Criminal crisis unites right, signalling ‘post-Bolsonaro’ era

A deadly police operation in Rio de Janeiro has thrust Brazil’s public security policies back into the national spotlight and stirred a major political realignment. The crisis has united opposition figures on the right, many of whom were previously divided under the influence of former President Jair Bolsonaro. Analysts say this moment may mark the beginning of a “post-Bolsonaro” era , as right-wing leaders increasingly seek to redefine their identity around law and order rather than personality-driven politics. The renewed focus on policing and crime control underscores how security has become one of the defining issues in Brazil’s shifting political landscape

Lula secures ally to lead Senate inquiry into organised crime

In a strategic political move, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s government has successfully secured leadership of a Senate inquiry into organised crime. The decision has sparked debate over potential political interference in what is meant to be an impartial investigation. Supporters of the government argue that Lula’s allies can ensure more effective oversight and results-oriented action. However, opposition groups and civil society watchdogs warn that this concentration of control risks undermining the inquiry's credibility. The development reflects ongoing tensions between executive authority and institutional independence, as Brazil navigates complex challenges at the intersection of politics, crime, and governance .