‘Was a metal worker, liked football…’: Lula reveals moment he decided to found a political party

Brazil’s President Lula da Silva delivered an impassioned address at the “In Defense of Democracy: Fighting Against Extremism” summit during UNGA, warning that democracy is at stake for the world’s future. Lula reflected on his political journey from metal worker to president, emphasized that democracy requires constant vigilance and popular organization, and called on leaders to ask daily: “What have you done for democracy today?” He urged honest self-critique about where democrats and the left allowed extremism to rise, cautioning that apathy and neglect of grassroots movements leave democracies vulnerable. Lula stressed the need for real political organization, defending democracy in daily life, and confronting the roots of disinformation and authoritarianism.