Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva officially launched his campaign for a fourth term at a Workers’ Party event in São Paulo.

The 80-year-old leader, who previously served two terms from 2003 to 2010, said another victory in the October election would be his final term.

Instead of focusing on his domestic record, Lula emphasized Brazil’s role in global affairs and the need for stronger national defense.

He pledged to protect Brazil’s rare earths and critical minerals from foreign control while defending the country’s sovereignty, Al-Jazeera has reported.

Lula warned that nations including China, the United States, and France would not gain access to Brazil’s resources without respecting its independence.