Lula responds to Milei insults, defends son in police inquiry

On July 30, 2026, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva gave his first formal response to Argentine President Javier Milei's insults, calling them 'nonsense.' In separate statements, Lula addressed a federal police inquiry involving his son, Lulinha, saying he will not use his office to protect him and that Lulinha must prove his innocence. Lula insisted that if his son is guilty, he will pay like everyone else. Meanwhile, polls show a favorable scenario for Lula in Brazil's largest electoral colleges, but challenges remain in Bahia and with the 'Tarcísio factor.'