Lula and allies step up political moves ahead of elections

In Brazil on 26 August 2026, Lula and his allies stepped up their political moves ahead of the elections. Lula met Motta and Alcolumbre, a step described as bringing him closer to the leadership of Congress, and said he would discuss ending the 6x1 work schedule and the 'taxa das blusinhas' with them. His party, the PT, wants him to take a harder line on suspicions involving Lulinha to distance himself from possible electoral damage, and O Globo reports that Lula has decided to do so.

A poll by Indexa/Broadcast shows Lula leading Flávio Bolsonaro 46% to 41% in a second round, with 50% disapproving of Lula and 46% approving. Opponents also made their case. Caiado, on TV Globo, targeted Lula and cited corruption, and Tarcísio said Flávio's explanation on Dark Horse is enough and that scandals 'plague' Lula. Renan Santos criticised Brazil's relationship with China on the same channel. Flávio's campaign plans to link a wave of bankruptcies to Lula, while PT supporters have reused the 'Osmarzinho' jingle to criticise Flávio Bolsonaro.