Lula Criticizes 'Rotten' Brazilian Politics and Calls for PT Renewal Ahead of 2026 Elections

During the 46th anniversary celebration of the Workers' Party (PT) in Salvador on February 7, 2026, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva delivered a sharp critique of Brazil’s political system, describing it as “rotten” and “mercantilized.” Lula condemned the exorbitant costs associated with electoral campaigns, highlighting how expensive it has become to hire campaign workers and mount candidacies, calling it "a disgrace." Recalling earlier times, he said he once financed campaigns by selling t-shirts, lamenting the current state where “money is rolling around everywhere.”

Lula also criticized Congress's growing control over the national budget through the so-called "secret budget," particularly the practice allowing R$60 billion to be distributed via amendments, which he labeled as a "kidnapping" of executive resources. He expressed regret that the PT had not sufficiently opposed this mechanism previously.

Addressing his party, Lula emphasized that the PT must avoid becoming part of the political status quo or the "common grave" shared by other parties. He urged unity within the PT, calling for broader political alliances to ensure electoral success in the upcoming 2026 elections. Referring to electoral competition as a "war," Lula encouraged party members to adopt a more assertive stance than previous campaigns associated with the "Lulinha paz e amor" approach.

Lula's address also underscored internal party renewal and post-presidency strategies, stressing that the PT's strength in society is more important than his leadership alone. The president called on members to engage voters beyond traditional bases, including evangelicals benefiting from social programs. He praised Vice President Geraldo Alckmin and signaled campaign strategies focused on defending the party’s social legacy.

The anniversary event served as a platform to launch Lula’s reelection campaign, with participation from key PT figures and allied party leaders, as he seeks to consolidate alliances with parties like PSB, PCdoB, and PDT ahead of the elections. Lula’s comments reflect a determined effort to revitalize the PT and craft a winning coalition in the complex Brazilian political landscape.