Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is already fielding a nomination for the October presidential election to prevent the race from becoming a stagnant showdown. Jair Bolsonaro remains a strong force. Geraldo Alckmin, a seasoned conservative figure, also weighs in. Lula and Alckmin were rivals in the 2006 election—one founded the Labor Party (PT) and the other was tied to the Catholic community through Opus Dei. What unites them now is the fear of a Bolsonaro reelection and the possibility of stabilizing governance after a long period of political turmoil. The historic alliance between long-time rivals since Brazil’s return to democracy in the 1980s was formalized this Friday in a meeting that included Lula and Alckmin. Lula affirmed his plan to rely on his experience and that of Alckmin to rebuild the country and engage broad Brazilian society. The message from the former president who led Brazil from 2003 to 2010 was clear: the country needs leadership that can calm discord while addressing pressing issues like hunger and inflation. There is a strong public stance communicated that Bolsonaro should not remain in the presidency beyond the start of 2023.
“This day is meaningful for Alckmin. You will be welcomed like an old comrade in our Labour movement. From now on, you cannot be treated as merely a former governor and I cannot be treated as a former president. You call me Comrade Lula and I will call you Comrade Alckmin.” The PT is expected to reiterate a similar sentiment. No one anticipates surprises on this front.
Lula, in turn, recalled the long-standing relationship between the PSB and PT. “It is entirely possible that two powers with distinct projects, guided by shared principles, come together at a moment when the nation needs it. We must show Brazilian society that the country needs love, not hate.”
PSB PT meeting with Lula and Geraldo Alckmin .
For Lula, Bolsonaro represents a grave risk, described as a “genocide by policy.” Winning the election would be less difficult than the challenge of saving the country from hunger and inflation, an effort Lula has pursued with determination. Alckmin supported the shift, noting that the old rivals can aspire to political stature by remaining neutral and focused on rebuilding the nation. He also warned that Brazil currently faces a government that attacks democracy and institutions, marking what he described as the deepest political crisis in decades.
mutual gestures
In reaching this point, both leaders made concessions. Lula chose not to dwell on issues such as abortion and even highlighted his paternal and grandparent roles as a way to emphasize social stability beyond public health policy. Alckmin left the Brazilian Social Democracy Party (PSDB) and joined the Socialist Party, aligning with Fernando Henrique Cardoso’s political lineage and creating a practical pathway for the alliance.
Comrades without ceremony, they acknowledged that present challenges exceed past conflicts.
This period has seen observers note a shift in public sentiment. Analysts described Lula’s potential to outperform Bolsonaro in late-stage rounds, though some polls warn about narrowing gaps amid a volatile political climate. A Genial/Quaest survey indicated that a majority of respondents felt Lula should be given another opportunity to govern, while an Ipespe poll labeled Lula as a strong president by historical standards and Bolsonaro as a challenging predecessor.
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