Lula’s ‘return’ will upend Brazilian politics

Significance

This paves the way for the 75-year-old centre-left leader to run against his nemesis, far-right President Jair Bolsonaro, who will seek a second term.

Impacts

• A Lula candidacy would see a sharply polarised contest between two controversial candidates with high disapproval ratings.
• Bolsonaro’s greatest electoral hope would be an economic rebound ahead of the vote.
• The outlook for future measures to combat corruption looks increasingly dubious.