Lula Goes Digital: Brazil President Gets First Smartphone for 2026 Runoff
President Lula da Silva adopts a Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra to reach younger voters ahead of the 2026 presidential runoff.
In a surprising move that blends personal milestone with political strategy, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has finally entered the era of mobile technology. The 81-year-old leader has acquired his first-ever smartphone, a Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, just as he prepares for the high-stakes presidential runoff election scheduled for October 26, 2026.
A Gift With a Purpose
The transition to the digital world happened on October 21 during a campaign rally in Belo Horizonte. The device was presented to the President by the Governor of Piaui, Rafael Fonteles. The timing is particularly poignant, as the gift arrived just days before President Lula's 81st birthday on October 27, 2026.
For years, Lula had maintained a strict distance from personal mobile devices. This avoidance was rooted in security concerns, specifically the fear that private conversations could be recorded or leaked, compromising sensitive political discussions. Until now, the President typically relied on the phones of his aides and associates whenever a call or message was necessary.
The 'King of Selfies'
The President is not just carrying the device; he is actively embracing the culture that comes with it. Lula has begun the process of learning how to navigate the complex world of social media, focusing on the basics of Instagram and the art of the selfie.
"I am becoming the king of selfies, a true internet user,"
Lula remarked to his supporters, signaling a lighthearted but determined approach to his new digital identity.
Strategic Pivot to Win the Youth
This shift is far from accidental. The move follows a first-round election performance where Lula's vote count fell short of expectations. Analysis suggests a critical gap in his reach among younger demographics—a territory where his opponents have long held a dominant position.
Specifically, competitors like Flávio Bolsonaro, the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, have historically utilized social media to maintain a powerful grip on the youth vote. By stepping into the digital arena, Lula aims to bridge this gap and communicate directly with a generation that consumes news and politics through a screen.
Expanding the Digital Front
The smartphone is only the first step in a broader digital offensive. Plans are already in motion for the President to join the "Exército do Lula" (Lula's Army), a dedicated WhatsApp channel managed by Congressman André Janones.
In the current Brazilian political landscape, platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and WhatsApp have evolved from simple communication tools into essential electoral battlegrounds. President Lula's decision to finally "plug in" underscores the reality that in modern politics, digital influence is inextricably linked to electoral victory.