Workers' Party (PT) launches Lula's pre-candidacy for president

The Workers' Party (PT) officially launched on Saturday (Ap. 7) the pre-candidacy of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva with former governor of São Paulo Geraldo Alckmin (PSB), as vice president, to run for the 2022 presidential election.

Besides Alckmin, who participated virtually in the event called Let's Go Together for Brazil because he had COVID-19, leaders of the parties supporting the candidacy were present, such as PCdoB, Solidariedade, PSOL, PV, and Rede, as well as trade unions, social movements, artists, influencers and parties´ militants.

Alckmin said in a video that no disagreement in the past, no difference in the present, no disputes from yesterday, nor any possible future disagreements will be reasons for him to stop supporting and defending with all conviction the return of Lula as Brazil´s President. "It is with great pride that I do this with the backing, trust, and participation of my party," he said.

In his speech, Lula said that was a very special day since he was able to gather all progressive political forces around his campaign. "I and everyone who is together with me have a cause, that is to restore the sovereignty of Brazil and the Brazilian people."

According to the former president, the dialogue was his hallmark, with a government and its ministries open to civil society. "We will have to do this again and for that, I present the immense legacy of our government. We have done a lot, but I am aware that much more is still needed and possible".

Coalition

PT, PCdoB, and PV have formed a party federation to contest the 2022 election. PSB, Alckmin´s party, Solidarity, Rede, and Psol have formed a coalition with PT. As members of a federation, the parties are united for four years at federal, state, and municipal levels. They are considered one single party and must remain together for at least four years. The coalition has an electoral nature and is extinguished after the elections.

Parties can only form a coalition to launch candidates for majority elections (mayor, governor, senator, and president). For proportional elections (councilman, state deputy, district deputy, and federal deputy), it is possible to form a federation.