Lula Rallies in Guarulhos, Vows Crackdown on Betting Firms

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva took his re-election campaign to Guarulhos in São Paulo state, drawing a standing ovation as he arrived on stage alongside his wife and political allies.

Addressing supporters, Lula said he intends to shut down online betting companies operating in Brazil, pointing to what he described as their social impact. "This idea that getting rid of betting companies will destroy football is a lie," he said, adding that his government would act against money laundering, shady dealings and corruption. His remarks came in response to criticism from football clubs.

The president also made the case for preserving social programs introduced by earlier Workers' Party governments, including the Bolsa Família welfare scheme. A teacher in the crowd, Denise Barros, said no president had done more for social programs, crediting Lula with extending them to many areas, especially education.

Lula framed the coming contest in stark terms, telling the rally that the election is not simply a contest between rival candidates. "What is at stake in this election is whether we will choose barbarism or democracy," he said.

He also criticised presidential candidate Flávio Bolsonaro during the event, with the two contenders running close in the polls before the first-round vote on October 4.

Vice-President Geraldo Alckmin greeted Lula before his speech, and the rally was attended by political allies including former ministers Fernando Haddad and Marina Silva. Supporters cheered, filmed the speech on their phones and sang a well-known Lula campaign song as the event drew to a close.