President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva told men who assault women they do not need to vote for him during his re-election launch [1].
The statement marks a sharp public condemnation of gender-based violence as the president seeks a new term. By explicitly alienating abusers from his voter base, Lula is signaling that women's safety is a non-negotiable priority of his administration's social agenda.
Speaking Sunday, Aug. 2, 2026 [1], at the Workers' Party (PT) convention, the president addressed the ongoing issue of violence against women in Brazil [1]. He used the platform to send a direct message to aggressors, saying that those who commit such acts are not welcome in his political coalition [2].
"Se bater na mulher, não precisa votar em mim," Lula said [2]. The phrase translates to: "If you beat a woman, you don't need to vote for me."
The convention served as the official start of his bid for another term. While the event focused on the future of his candidacy, Lula also touched upon the challenges of his previous governance. He noted that a fourth presidency is an opportunity to change many things, specifically criticizing the current relationship with the Brazilian Congress [3].
Lula's comments on domestic violence come amid continued national efforts to curb femicide and domestic abuse. By framing the issue as a condition for political support, the president is linking moral conduct directly to his electoral platform, a move intended to resonate with women voters and human rights advocates across the country [1], [2].
“"Se bater na mulher, não precisa votar em mim."”
By explicitly rejecting the support of domestic abusers, Lula is attempting to solidify his standing with the female electorate and human rights organizations. This rhetorical strategy positions his re-election campaign as one of moral clarity on gender issues, while his comments on the Congress suggest he anticipates significant legislative friction during a potential fourth term.
