• Brazil's President Lula announces his candidacy for a fourth term in the 2026 elections.
• Lula claims he retains the energy of a 30-year-old despite turning 80 soon.
• His main rival, Jair Bolsonaro, is currently barred from running due to a 27-year prison sentence.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva confirmed on October 23 that he will run for a fourth term in the 2026 elections. During a joint press conference with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in Jakarta, Lula stated, “I’m about to turn 80 years old, but you can be sure I have the same energy I had when I was 30. And I will run for a fourth term in Brazil,” highlighting his vitality despite concerns regarding his age, according to Reuters and Los Angeles Times.

In his upcoming campaign, Lula seeks to build on the popularity gained during his previous term and recent diplomatic engagements, including a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, where trade tariffs imposed by Trump are expected to be a key topic of discussion. Lula's eligibility to run stems from Brazil's constitution, which permits non-consecutive terms, allowing him to seek another after serving two terms from 2003 to 2010 and returning to office in 2023, as noted by Al Jazeera and The Jakarta Post.

Lula's political landscape remains complex, as his principal rival, former President Jair Bolsonaro, has been barred from running due to a 27-year prison sentence related to a coup attempt. This leaves the conservative electorate without a strong candidate as the election approaches, according to Le Monde and Anadolu Agency.

During his announcement, Lula attempted to assuage concerns regarding his age and prior health issues, including emergency surgery for a brain bleed last year. He continues to share workout videos on social media to emphasize his ongoing health and vigor, reinforcing his commitment to leading Brazil, as mentioned in multiple sources including Reuters and Los Angeles Times.