Lula & Alckmin Reunite for Brazil's High-Stakes Election

Brazilian President Luis Ignacio Lula de Silva just announced he's teaming up again with Vice President Gerardo Alcman for his re-election run.

The 80-year-old leftist leader stuck with his 73-year-old center-right partner, ignoring pressure to pick someone from a larger, right-wing party.

Alcman, who's also the industry minister, will step down from that role to comply with electoral rules.

Ministers running for office must lead their posts by April 4, ahead of the October vote. A few other cabinet members are doing the same for their own bids.

Their unlikely alliance paid off big in 2022, when Alcman's conservative appeal helped Lula edge out Jair Bolsonaro in a tight race.

Back then, Alcman switched parties to join Lula, ditching the wanting help star decades ago.

Now polls show Lula neck-and-neck with Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, one of Jair's sons. Alcman's been crucial in the admin too, handling U.S. tariff talks and sealing the Mercosor European Union trade deal.

As Brazil gears up for this high-stakes showdown, this duo's reunion keeps the political beat dropping steady.

From your city, powered by AI, this is Canada News Today. I'm Corey, with the story.