Brazil's Lula says he might seek office again

Brazil's outgoing President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said he might run for president again some day, Folha de S. Paulo newspaper reported, a revelation that could weaken his chosen successor.

Lula, who will leave office on Jan. 1 with a popularity rating over 80 percent thanks to Brazil's economic boom, was forbidden by Brazil's Constitution from running for a third consecutive presidential term this year.

Asked in a TV interview if he might run for president again in the future, Lula replied: "I can't say no, because I'm still alive. I'm honorary president of a party, I'm a born politician, I built extraordinary political relationships."

Though Lula, 65, has never ruled out running again, it was his most explicit statement to date that he could be a candidate again in 2014 or later.

Seemingly aware his statements would cause a stir, Lula told the interviewer: "I'm a little afraid that tomorrow somebody will see your interview and say that Lula said he could be a candidate (again)."

Still, he continued to discuss the possibility, concluding: "We're going to work for (Rousseff) to have a good government, and when the moment arrives, we'll see what happens."