Brazil's Lula holds rally with artists and intellectuals in Rio

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva held a major campaign event in Rio de Janeiro alongside prominent artists, cultural workers, and intellectuals to bolster support for his presidential reelection bid.

The gathering brought together key figures from Brazil’s arts and academic communities—traditionally a strong pillar of support for Lula’s leftist Workers' Party (PT)—aiming to galvanize progressive voters ahead of the upcoming election.

Addressing the crowd, Lula emphasized defending democratic institutions, expanding public investment in arts and education, and positioning his platform as a safeguard for social unity and national sovereignty. The Rio event comes as campaign activity intensifies across the country. Lula is seeking a fourth term in a highly competitive race, primarily facing right-wing opposition led by Senator Flávio Bolsonaro.