Lula to launch Brazil re-election bid under Trump pressure

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is set to launch his bid for a fourth term at a Workers' Party convention in Sao Paulo on Sunday, framing the campaign around Brazil's sovereignty as Donald Trump's administration increases trade pressure.

Lula, 80, is making his seventh presidential bid. He returned to power three years ago after earlier terms from 2003 to 2010 and after corruption charges that had put him in prison were later dismissed.

His main rival is Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, the eldest son of former president Jair Bolsonaro. Flavio Bolsonaro stepped into the role after his father was convicted of plotting a coup to prevent Lula from taking power in 2023.

The Bolsonaro family is allied with US President Donald Trump. In July, the United States imposed two rounds of tariffs on Brazilian goods, alleging unfair trade practices that Brasilia denies. Washington had also hiked tariffs last year in retaliation for the trial against Jair Bolsonaro, before most were lifted after diplomatic efforts.

"In Brazil, we do not accept anyone sticking their nose where it does not belong," Lula said. He has also called Flavio Bolsonaro a "traitor to the nation."

A recent Datafolha survey showed 48 percent of respondents would vote for Lula in a second round, compared with 43 percent for Flavio Bolsonaro. Lula's government points to solid economic growth and record employment, but the campaign is also being shaped by voter concern over the cost of living, the fiscal deficit, crime and corruption allegations touching both sides.