Lula's invitation for João Paulo Cunha to return to politics

During a New PAC event in Osasco, São Paulo, on Friday, the 25th, President Lula (Workers' Party) extended an invitation to former congressman João Paulo Cunha , who was present in the audience. Jokingly, but with political appeal, the Workers' Party member asked the former Speaker of the House to leave the legal profession and return to public life.

“ João Paulo, you should get back into politics. "Stop making money as a lawyer in Brasília, man! Stop trying to make money in Brasília, come to the factory gates and hold a rally," he said.

The statement comes as Lula is working to strengthen his government base in the National Congress alongside his bid for reelection in 2026. Cunha, who played a central role at the start of the Workers' Party's first term, is seen as an experienced figure, despite being marked by his conviction in the "mensalão" scandal.

The former congressman was arrested in 2014 and served part of his sentence, but the Supreme Federal Court dismissed the case in 2016 following a presidential pardon.

João Paulo Cunha has not yet confirmed whether he intends to run in the election, but he remains active behind the scenes in Brasília politics. He runs a law firm and has influential connections in legal and political circles, especially within the Workers' Party (PT) coalition.