Lula Reverses Stance, Backs Lowering Criminal Age Ahead of Brazil Runoff

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva declared his support on October 15, 2026, for lowering the minimum age of criminal responsibility from 18 to 16 for heinous crimes, marking a notable departure from his long-standing position[1][8]. This announcement came just ten days before a closely contested presidential runoff election on October 25, where Lula faces Senator Flávio Bolsonaro[2][3][4].

The policy shift matters because it aligns with public sentiment; approximately 80% of the Brazilian population supports lowering the age of criminal responsibility, according to recent opinion polls[1][10][12][13]. The move is widely seen as a strategic maneuver by Lula as he campaigns against Bolsonaro, who held a slight lead after the first round of voting[1][8].

What the records show

President Lula made his announcement during an interview on TV Globo's Jornal Nacional, Brazil's main newscast[1][8]. He stated, “My view, as a Brazilian citizen, is that for any and every heinous crime, I am in favour of lowering the age”[1]. This position applies to violent offenses such as murder, robbery resulting in death, and rape[5]. This statement directly contradicts the historical stance of Lula and his Workers' Party (PT), which had consistently opposed such changes to the minimum age of criminal responsibility[1].

The timeline

Lula's announcement on October 15, 2026, positioned this policy change squarely in the final days of his reelection campaign[1][8]. The presidential runoff election is scheduled for October 25, 2026[2][3][4]. The declaration followed recent opinion polls indicating widespread public support for lowering the age of criminal responsibility, with about 80% of Brazilians in favor[1][10][12][13]. Lula and his opponent, Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, engaged in a heated debate a week before the vote, clashing over issues including public security[2][3].

What changed and for whom

For President Lula, the shift represents a significant policy reversal[1]. His Workers' Party had traditionally opposed lowering the age of criminal responsibility[1]. Senator Flávio Bolsonaro and his father, former President Jair Bolsonaro, have consistently advocated for reducing the criminal age[1][10]. Their proposals included lowering it to 14 for severe or violent crimes[1][5][9][10]. Flávio Bolsonaro, as part of his current constitutional reform platform, has also proposed reducing the age to 16 in general[7][11]. Lula's adoption of a similar hard-line public security stance, particularly on lowering the age for heinous crimes, brings his position closer to that of his political rival[1][5].

What the subject has said publicly

President Lula publicly defended his new position, stating that the discussion about reducing the age of criminal responsibility should not be part of a government-backed bill focused on strengthening federal powers in public safety[8]. He argued that the proposal before Congress addressed a different issue[8]. Lula stated his personal view as a citizen, supporting the lowering of the age for all heinous crimes[1].

What we could not confirm

We could not confirm the specific legislative pathway Lula intends to pursue for this policy change, or if a new legislative proposal will be introduced independently of the ongoing public safety bill. We also could not confirm whether the term “heinous crimes” would be specifically defined or if a pre-existing legal definition would apply to his proposal.