President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has cleared his public schedule over the Finados holiday weekend to rest and recover his voice, according to Poder360. The Brazilian leader is staying in Brasília at the Granja do Torto residence and is expected to resume official commitments on Wednesday, Nov. 4.
The break follows his re-election and comes as negotiations over the shape of his next government begin to move. Poder360 reports that ministers, particularly those based at the Planalto Palace, also traveled during the holiday period, and even the president's photographer, Ricardo Stuckert, left the capital for a few days.
Why it matters
The pause comes at a pivotal moment. Lula must assemble the team that will take office in January 2027, balancing current ministers against allies who worked on his campaign. How he distributes ministries will also shape his relationship with Centrão parties as he seeks a broader support base in the National Congress.
According to Poder360, those conversations are expected to advance in November. No official invitations have been made yet, and the first names are anticipated from December onward.
A recorded message and a promised broadcast
In an audio message sent to the "Exército do Lula" WhatsApp channel, the president said he intends to deliver a statement to the nation next week. He also promised to restart mobilization among his supporters and to take part in a live stream with federal deputy André Janones of Rede-MG.
Even with fewer public appearances, Lula has kept up private meetings and calls. On Monday, Oct. 26, he hosted the presidents of the Chamber of Deputies, Hugo Motta of Republicans, and the Senate, Davi Alcolumbre of União Brasil, at the Palácio da Alvorada, Poder360 reports.
He also spoke by telephone with foreign leaders who congratulated him on his victory. Among them were Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum; the presidents of Bolivia, Rodrigo Paz; Chile, José Antonio Kast; and Uruguay, Yamandú Orsi; as well as the president of the European Council, António Costa.
Birthday gathering and criticism of Flávio
On Tuesday, Oct. 27, his 81st birthday, Lula received supporters at the Alvorada Palace. Poder360 reports the celebration included cake and music, with ministers, officials and party activists in attendance.
During his remarks, the president criticized Flávio, who left Brazil after losing the election. Speaking in a hoarse voice, Lula said that those who owe nothing have nothing to fear and suggested that someone who leaves the country quietly must owe something, adding that it should not be claimed that democracy is absent.
Diplomatic calendar fills November and December
International travel is also on the president's schedule for the final months of the year. On Monday, Oct. 26, he met Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira and special adviser Celso Amorim to discuss upcoming diplomatic commitments, according to Poder360.
The agenda opens with COP31 in Antalya, Turkey, from Nov. 9 to 20, where Brazil will pass the baton at the climate conference and press for continuity in climate policy. A trip to the Philippines is then planned for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit on Nov. 14 and 15.
In December, the president is expected to attend the Mercosur summit in Montevideo, Uruguay, on Dec. 4, and the G20 meeting in the United States on Dec. 14 and 15.
The coming weeks will show whether the rest period restores Lula's voice and energy for that packed calendar, and when the first ministerial names begin to surface.
