Lula's tenure records historic unemployment lows amid Amazon conservation gains
Lula's term shows historically low unemployment and continued Amazon deforestation reduction despite campaign silence on environment.
Event / Politics
Brazil Presidential Election 2026
Brazil's 2026 presidential election, including environmental policy, deforestation efforts, and campaign developments ahead of the October 25 runoff.
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36 articles17 articles
2026-10-04 to 2026-10-26 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 4 Oct, 18:18 UTC
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What happened
Unemployment fell to a historic low during Lula's third term
Unemployment in Brazil declined to a historic low during Lula's third presidential term, and inflation was relatively contained. Voters have nonetheless complained about the cost of living and violence.
First runoff debate on Band TV was marked by insults and corruption accusations
The first televised runoff debate between Lula and Flavio Bolsonaro took place on 18 October 2026 at the Band television studio in São Paulo. Both candidates exchanged accusations of corruption, and the exchange focused largely on personal attacks rather than policy proposals.
Jair Bolsonaro serves 27-year sentence under house arrest for coup attempt
Former president Jair Bolsonaro is serving a 27-year prison sentence under house arrest for attempting to remain in power after losing the 2022 presidential election.
Flavio Bolsonaro pledges tougher crime policy and public spending cuts
Flavio Bolsonaro, 45, campaigned on tougher measures against crime, cuts to public spending, and closer relations with the United States.
Conservative candidates made large gains in Brazil's congressional elections
Conservative candidates achieved major gains in Brazil's congressional elections held in 2026, ahead of the presidential runoff.
About 160 million voters called to the polls in Brazil's runoff
Approximately 160 million Brazilian voters were eligible to vote in the 25 October 2026 presidential runoff. Polling stations were scheduled to close at 17:00 local time, with electronic-voting results expected shortly afterward.
Brazil holds presidential runoff between Lula and Flavio Bolsonaro
Brazilian voters went to the polls on 25 October 2026 for the second round of the presidential election, which pits incumbent Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of the left against Flavio Bolsonaro, the conservative senator and son of former president Jair Bolsonaro.
Datafolha poll for O Globo gives Flavio Bolsonaro 47% and Lula 46%
A Datafolha poll commissioned by the newspaper O Globo, published before the runoff, showed Flavio Bolsonaro at 47% and Lula at 46% of voting intentions.
National Rally congress in Orléans; Marine Le Pen to launch presidential campaign
The National Rally (RN) held its congress in Orléans, France, where Marine Le Pen was scheduled to officially launch her presidential campaign on the afternoon of 25 October 2026.
Amazon deforestation under Lula reached its lowest level in four decades
Deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon, the world's largest tropical rainforest, reached its lowest level in four decades during Lula's current administration. Deforestation had accelerated during Jair Bolsonaro's presidency.
Second runoff debate on 22 October covered economy, security and health
The second runoff debate between Lula and Flavio Bolsonaro took place on 22 October 2026, 48 hours before the vote. It lasted two hours, used a stricter format that kept the candidates physically apart, and covered the economy, security and health.
Final polls show Flavio Bolsonaro at 51% and Lula at 49%
The latest polls before the runoff gave Flavio Bolsonaro 51% and Lula 49% of voting intentions. The gap fell within the polls' margin of error.
French protests of 24 October included end-of-march disturbances in major cities
During the nationwide protests in France on 24 October 2026, some disturbances occurred at the end of marches in major cities, but authorities reported the situation remained largely under control.
Flavio Bolsonaro led Lula 47% to 45% in the first round
In the first round of Brazil's presidential election on 4 October 2026, Flavio Bolsonaro received 47% of the vote and Lula received 45%, which required a runoff.
Lula's camp accused Meta of algorithmic manipulation favoring his opponent
Lula's presidential camp accused Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram, of favoring Flavio Bolsonaro through algorithmic manipulation during the campaign. Meta denied the accusation but acknowledged technical problems that affected Lula.
Lula seeks a fourth, non-consecutive presidential term
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, the incumbent president of Brazil, is running for a fourth presidential term that is not consecutive with his earlier terms.
Flavio Bolsonaro says he would free his father if elected
Flavio Bolsonaro stated that his first action as president would be to release his father, Jair Bolsonaro.
Abstention reached 21% in Brazil's first round
Abstention in the first round of Brazil's presidential election on 4 October 2026 reached 21% of registered voters.
PoderData poll gives Flavio Bolsonaro 51% and Lula 49%
A PoderData poll published before the runoff showed Flavio Bolsonaro at 51% and Lula at 49% of voting intentions.
Nationwide French protests draw 410,000 per Interior Ministry, 800,000 per CGT
On 24 October 2026, protests over purchasing power and a high school student mobilization took place across France. The Interior Ministry counted 410,000 demonstrators and the trade union CGT counted 800,000.
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2 alternative perspectives
Legal troubles shadow both leading candidates in 2026 race
Presidential race features candidates with contrasting legal complications: Bolsonaro convicted, Flavio investigated, Lula exonerated procedurally.
Brazil holds presidential election with 160 million voters casting ballots
Brazil held presidential election with 160 million voters; Lula and Flavio Bolsonaro competed closely.