Photo: screengrab from the official website of Brasil 247

By Brasil 247 - Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva signaled that he intends to run for reelection, stating that the decision is tied to political circumstances and his commitment to the country, while projecting that a potential fourth term would deliver greater advances than his current administration. The remarks were made in an interview with TV 247, in partnership with Revista Fórum and DCM, on April 14, according to Brasil 247.

Lula said his decision is not driven by personal ambition but by the political environment and the need to preserve democratic achievements. "It's not about wanting a fourth term. The political circumstances and the electoral moment you live in decide," he said.

The president added that he remains fit for public life. "I feel physically very well, politically very well. My health is very well prepared and I am motivated, because there is a lot to do for Brazil. That is the reason for my candidacy," he said.

On the economy, Lula said Brazil has resumed growth since his return to office. "The Brazilian economy had not grown above 3 percent since I left the presidency in 2010. It only grew above 3 percent again when I returned in 2023," he stated.

He highlighted results in industry, foreign trade and credit. "We opened 518 new markets in three and a half years for Brazilian products. Brazil is taken seriously again around the world," he said.

Addressing the financial market, Lula acknowledged disagreements over economic priorities. "The market will always want another candidate. The market does not want social inclusion policies. It wants policies to pay their interest rates," he said.

He said his government intends to expand social investment. "We will make much more investment in social inclusion policies, because the Brazilian people deserve more than they have," he stated.

Lula also said the government is preparing measures to address household debt. "We are preparing a program to resolve part of people's debt, as we did with Desenrola," he stated, also linking the issue to money laundering and organized crime.

He criticized past privatizations, particularly in the energy sector, and said he still aims to expand state presence, including the possibility of a public company for fuel and gas distribution.

On public security, Lula said he intends to create a Ministry of Public Security if a constitutional amendment is approved, and pledged stronger federal policing and intelligence capabilities.

Regarding corruption, he said investigations make wrongdoing more visible. "When you investigate corruption […] corruption appears. It appears in the government that fights corruption," he stated, citing cases such as Banco Master and INSS.

(Reported by Brasil 247 on April 14, 2026)