MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Lula da Silva back in race if President Dilma Rousseff does not try re-election

“I wouldn't allow a 'toucan' (main opposition party) to head Brazil again.” (Photo AFP)

Brazil's former President Lula da Silva admitted during a television interview that he will be presidential candidate in the 2014 elections if current Head of State Dilma Rousseff does not run for re-election.

The ex president assured he will work for Rousseff's re-election, but he will be willing to take the responsibility if she “doesn't want to” run for it, ”because I wouldn't allow a 'toucan' (referring to the social democrat opposition) to head Brazil again.”

Lula da Silva, whose voice was affected due to the treatments he underwent to fight against larynx cancer, also praised Fernando Haddad, who will run for mayor in Sao Paulo for the Workers Party (PT) in October.

“I believe Sao Paulo needs a mayor with the same enthusiasm as candidate Fernando Haddad when he was Education Ministry during my administration”. Said the former president…”

Lula da Silva, a former metalworker and union leader, was elected president in 2002 and took over the presidency from Fernando Henrique Cardoso on January 1, 2003. Cardoso is a member of the centre-left Brazilian Social Democracy Party, PSDB or “toucans” as they are called because of their identifying crest.

The interview was the first he's given since he left office 17 months ago.

Rousseff, a member of Lula da Silva's Workers' Party and his hand-picked successor, has been in office since January 1, 2011. She is Brazil's first female president.

Lula da Silva ran for president three times and lost, twice to Cardoso, before winning the 2002 elections. After serving two consecutive four-year terms, he stepped down on December 31, 2010.

Brazil's Constitution limits presidents to two consecutive four-year terms. After sitting out at least one term, a former two-term president can run for and become president again.