Lula Says He Is More Afraid Than During His First Term and Cites 'Lesson for the World' - 06/11/2026 - Brazil - Folha de S.Paulo

President Lula said on Thursday (5), during a livestream with Congressman André Janones, that he is more afraid of disappointing voters during this term than when he first governed the country, from 2003 to 2007. "Now I'm more afraid than I was during my first term."

Lula admitted that he only recognized the power of digital mobilization after trailing in the first round. Janones, who runs the "Lula's Army" channel, gained prominence during the presidential campaign.

He also commented on the Democratic Party's victory in the United States, a defeat for Donald Trump. According to Lula, his own election, Binyamin Netanyahu's loss of strength in Israel and the U.S. election were "a lesson for the world." "The people woke up to say that Brazil will not accept being anyone's backyard. My joy is complete," he said.

Lula also criticized Flávio Bolsonaro, who fled to the United States after losing the election to him. "He's a jinx. [He went there and] defeated Trump."