A little help from Social Media

Following a decline in the polls, Brazil’s President Lula might receive a much-needed boost after a simple jog, which garnered 10 million views on Instagram.

The 78-year-old leader, who underwent a hip operation in 2023, captured attention this week as he ran around the stately Alvorada Palace, the official presidential residence in Brasilia, flaunting his bare arms and legs.

During his jog, Lula refrained from discussing politics, steering clear of topics such as foreign conflicts and congressional disputes. Instead, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva offered advice on longevity, encouraging Brazilians to stay active and aspire to live up to 120 years old.

Sporting the black jersey and shorts of the Corinthians football team, he urged Brazilians to “move their legs, arms, and even indulge in a little running if they have the physical capability.”

In the video, Lula extended an invitation “to all of you who want to live healthily, who want to savor life more, to reach the age of 120 as I intend to.”

Uploaded on Tuesday on his official Instagram profile, the video amassed over 10.1 million views by Thursday – marking the president’s largest audience on the platform in 2024, as per local press estimates.

According to pollster Datafolha, approval of Lula’s government dipped to 35% in March, down from 38% in December, while disapproval rose to 33%, climbing from 30% in December.

On social media, several of his ministers have since emulated him with their own jogging-inspired posts.