Brazilian President Lula da Silva said on Tuesday that he was ready to stand in the next election at the age of 80, if necessary to block a "fascist" from the post, reports AFP.
In an interview with broadcaster CBN, Lula hinted at the government of his far-right predecessor Jair Bolsonaro, saying he "will not allow this country to be ruled by a fascist again.
We recall that the 78-year-old Lula took office for his third term in January 2023 after contested elections with Bolsonaro, who was criticized for his polarizing style and attacks on democratic institutions.
At the time of the next election in October 2026, Lula will be 81 years old, but he feels he is "in the prime of his life", as he told the interviewer. But he also admitted that there are other suitable candidates for the post.
Lula ruled the Latin American giant for two consecutive terms between 2003 and 2010
Bolsonaro has been banned from holding public office until 2030 for unfoundedly questioning Brazil's voting system.
However, he remains very active in politics as head of the Liberal Party and is campaigning in support of candidates ahead of the municipal elections in October.
He often compares his disqualification to that of the opposition in Venezuela or Nicaragua.
Brazilian authorities are investigating whether Bolsonaro staged a coup attempt to prevent Lula from taking office.
In a separate investigation, police recommended that Bolsonaro be charged with falsifying his Covid-19 vaccination documents.