President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva turned 80 on October 27, becoming the first octogenarian to hold the office in Brazil. He celebrated the occasion during an official visit to Malaysia, where he is attending the Asean summit. Lula stated he has the energy to run for re-election in 2026.
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, from the PT party, was born on October 27, 1945, in Garanhuns (PE), although his birth certificate lists October 6 due to a registration error common in poor families at the time. His brother, José Ferreira Silva, confirmed the actual date is October 27: “I didn't see him being born and don't remember him being born. But from what people say, it was October 27”.
Upon turning 80, Lula became the oldest president to hold office in Brazil, surpassing Michel Temer, who was 78 during his term, and Getúlio Vargas, at 72. The celebration took place in Malaysia, where the PT leader is on an official visit since October 22, attending the Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) summit.
At a gala dinner hosted by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, heads of state congratulated Lula. Earlier, on October 23, he had an advance celebration with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, featuring a chocolate cake decorated with macarons, where he blew out candles to 'Happy Birthday' in English and offered the first slice to Prabowo and then to First Lady Janja.
U.S. President Donald Trump, 79, sent greetings, calling Lula “vigorous”: “He is a very vigorous guy, actually, and it was very impressive, but today is his birthday, so happy birthday”. Lula, who had an accident at the Palácio da Alvorada at the end of 2024, has promoted an image of vitality through posts of physical exercises. Recently, he stated: “I want to tell you that I will turn 80, but rest assured I have the same energy as when I was 30 years old. And I will run for a fourth term in Brazil”. This re-election bid for 2026 is contingent on his health.
