Addressing workers and activists gathered at the city’s historic Vila Euclides—now known as the 1st of May Stadium—Alckmin linked a potential new term for Lula to the strengthening of democracy, the continuation of social and economic policies, and the defense of national sovereignty.

  The vice president remembered the role Vila Euclides played in the labor mobilizations of the late 1970s, when Lula gained national prominence as a union leader during the strikes in the Sao Paulo ABC region against the military dictatorship.

  Alckmin asserted that the continuation of the current government would allow for further progress in employment, income, economic growth, education, healthcare, and environmental protection; he also highlighted the industrial policy developed during Lula’s administration.

  Speaking about Lula, Haddad noted that the leader never subordinated himself to political figures, business leaders, or bankers, and treated people from different social backgrounds equally.

  The former Finance Minister highlighted higher education policies boosted during the Workers’ Party administrations, such as social quotas, the University for All Program, and the Student Financing Fund.

  Haddad credited the current executive branch with advances in growth, employment, inflation control, education, universities, and the Unified Health System, maintaining that Lula inherited a country in dire straits and succeeded in revitalizing public policies.

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