Even in a technical tie with Flávio in the polls, PT member says in Germany that the process is running within democratic normality
The president (PT) said, this Monday (April 20, 2026), that the Brazilian electoral scenario is “quiet” and denied there was turbulence in his pre-campaign for re-election. The statement was made during a press conference in Hannover, alongside the German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU, center right)after bilateral meetings between Brazil and Germany.
Lula stated that he sees elections as part of the normal functioning of democracy and said he does not see instability in the political environment. “There is no turbulence at all. I see the election as the most democratic and peaceful thing possible”, he declared.
The speech was made after being questioned by journalists about the political climate in Brazil and the government’s situation as the election campaign approaches. The president also relativized it. According to him, there are still months to go before the election, which eliminates the idea of an already tense scenario.
Lula also mentioned his political trajectory. Said to be the “citizen who contests the most elections in the history of Brazil” and stated that, therefore, he does not view the process with apprehension.
In the Datafolha survey published on April 11th, a numerical advantage for Flávio Bolsonaro (PL-RJ) against Lula. The senator and PL pre-candidate for President has 46% of voting intentions against 45% for the current president in a possible 2nd round dispute for Planalto.
When the survey considers Ronaldo Caiado (PSD) or Zema (Novo) as Lula’s opponents in the 2nd round, the PT member scores 45% to 42%. As the margin of error is plus or minus 2 percentage points, all of these scenarios constitute ties.
LULA IN HANNOVER
Still at the press conference, Lula highlighted the ongoing wars around the world and called for a reform of the UN Security Council (United Nations). He declared that he was against any military intervention in Cuba and reiterated his support for South Africa’s participation in the G20.
The PT member’s speeches were a response to Trump’s recent speeches, in which the North American president stated that he can “do whatever he wants” with and that he would veto his participation in the G20 leaders’ summit, which will be held in Miami on December 14th and 15th.
Lula’s meeting with the German Chancellor resulted in bilateral agreements in the areas of defense, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, bioeconomy and energy efficiency. Germany made a contribution of 500 million euros (around R$2.94 billion, at current prices) to the Climate Fund. The entry into force of the Mercosur-European Union agreement is scheduled for May 1st and is one of the trip’s assets.
Hannover is part of a 5-day European agenda. Lula and passed through Barcelona, where he completed the 1st Brazil-Spain Summit, before arriving in Germany. On Tuesday (April 21), the president will travel to Lisbon, in Portugal.
