80-year-old President Lula declares robust health as he seeks fourth term

At a Workers' Party rally in São Paulo, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, now 80, announced his candidacy for the October presidential election, asserting that he is "in great shape." He described a personal regimen of leg and arm workouts and hour-long walks to combat the decline associated with old age. The audience of about 3,000 party faithful heard him compare his current vigor to his first victory in 2002.

Lula, a former metalworker and union chief who reclaimed the presidency three years ago after his corruption charges were annulled, is pursuing what he calls a fourth and final term. Brazil’s constitution permits presidents to serve two consecutive terms, sit out at least one term, and then run again without a lifetime cap. The announcement comes amid heightened scrutiny from the United States administration.