Hundreds of Lula supporters were gathered near the jail where he is being held. Haddad read a letter there from his mentor anointing him as his political heir. A poll released Monday by Datafolha shows Haddad with nine percent support, up five points from a month ago. A former metalworker, Lula rose as a union leader during Brazil's military dictatorship, co-founding the Workers Party in 1980. His presidency was credited with lifting millions out of poverty through generous social programs, transforming his party into a political powerhouse.

Source: Bangkok Post September 12, 2018 03:45 UTC