
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, 80, said Sunday he was “in great shape” as he launched his candidacy for October elections, with pressure from US President Donald Trump’s administration looming over the campaign.
Lula, a leftist titan of Latin American politics who is loved and despised in near-equal measure in Brazil, highlighted what he called his stamina and good health as he addressed a convention of his Worker’s Party (PT) in Sao Paulo attended by around 3,000 people.
“I want to fight against old age. I don’t want to be shuffling along. That’s why I work out my legs. That’s why I work out my arms. That’s why I walk for an hour,” said the veteran leftist, adding he was far fitter than when he was first elected in 2002.
The former metalworker and union leader made a dramatic comeback when he returned to power three years ago after a stint in jail on corruption charges that were later annulled.
He is seeking a fourth and final term in office.
Brazil’s constitution allows presidents to serve two consecutive terms. After sitting out at least one term, they can run again, with no lifetime limit on the number of terms.

Don't Miss:
-
The US-China tech war has evolved since the last Xi-Trump summit. Who has the edge now?
-
Canada’s British Columbia sues OpenAI in US court over school shooting
-
Top US Senate Democrat Jeanne Shaheen warns Trump not to waver on Taiwan ahead of Xi meet
-
UK PM Burnham agrees to Saudi request for refuelling support
-
Zelensky and US spy chief Ratcliffe meet in Ireland, sources say

Trump administration gave firm with ties to ballroom donor the green light to do business with a sanctioned Russian bank
Claire Sylvia on the Constitutionality of the False Claims Act
School shootings in the Philippines put gun access under scrutiny