During an event in Salvador, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva expressed serious concerns about the current state of politics in the country, declaring it as having 'rotted' and become 'commercialized.' He highlighted the extravagant costs of electoral campaigns, questioning the amounts spent on campaign workers and candidates, which he deemed shameful. Lula reminisced about a time when fundraising for campaigns required grassroots efforts, such as selling t-shirts, contrasting it with today’s dynamic where money dominates the political landscape.

Lula's remarks come amidst a backdrop of increasing electoral costs that have raised concerns over the integrity and accessibility of democracy in Brazil. By addressing the financial aspects of political campaigns, Lula is emphasizing the need for reform in how politics are conducted, which could resonate with citizens who feel alienated by the high cost of participation in the electoral process. The imagery he painted of politics becoming a marketplace seeks to rally people around the need for restoring values in governance.

Furthermore, Lula called on his allies and potential coalition partners to prepare for the upcoming electoral campaign, indicating his intention to strengthen alliances with parties like PSD, PCdoB, and PDT. This move to unify various political factions might be seen as a strategic approach to ensure a supportive base for his administration as it navigates the complexities of the current political arena. His comments underscore a commitment to maintaining active engagement within political circles, reflecting a leadership approach that seeks both to acknowledge the challenges and to mobilize support for future initiatives.